Electro-pneumatic pressure control module implemented as a component and having an integrated inertial sensor

ABSTRACT

An electro-pneumatic central pressure control module having at least a single channel, and which is implemented as a component for an electro-pneumatic service brake of a vehicle, having at least one pressure control channel which is electrically controllable with regard to a brake pressure. Also described is an electronic control device of the pressure control module having a board carrying electrical and electronic components, at least one inertial sensor being arranged on or at the at least one board and being electrically conductively connected to at least several of the electrical and electronic components on the board, in which an arrangement/apparatus ensures a lower vibration load of the inertial sensor on the board.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention proceeds from an at least 1-channel electro-pneumatic pressure control module embodied as a functional unit for an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle, having at least one pressure control channel which is electrically controllable in terms of a first service brake pressure.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

An electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle is discussed in EP 1 122 142 A1 and has a 2-channel pressure control module for the rear axle, wherein one channel supplies in each case one wheel brake of the rear axle with a brake or operating pressure. In contrast, the wheel brake cylinders of the front axle are in each case aerated or vented, respectively, by a dedicated 1-channel pressure control module. These 1-channel pressure control modules moreover have a respective purely pneumatic backup circuit so as to, in the event of a failure of the electrics, still be able to brake on account of the pressure that is supplied by a foot brake valve. The two 1-channel pressure control modules of the front axle and the 2-channel pressure control module of the rear axle are actuated by a central electronic brake control apparatus which is disposed outside the pressure control modules.

Such electro-pneumatic service brake installations in the central electronic brake control apparatus often have routines of a driving dynamics or driving stability control system such as ESC that process signals of at least one inertia sensor such as an acceleration sensor and/or a yaw rate sensor so as to, based on these signals, actuate the pressure control modules in the context of braking so as to establish driving stability by the targeted braking of individual wheels. However, in such inertia sensors, oscillations and vibrations which emanate from switching procedures of solenoid valves of the pressure control modules can lead to measurement errors when the oscillations and vibrations are transmitted as impact sound to the at least one inertia sensor.

A large number of individual components which require numerous electric and pneumatic connections and lines between the individual components should also be avoided in such an electro-pneumatic service brake installation. This leads to a relative high probability of defects, not least because of the numerous connectors in this instance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is therefore based on an object of refining a pressure control module such that an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle that has such a pressure control module has a simpler and more robust construction and at the same time a high level of functional reliability. Furthermore, an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle having such a pressure control module, and a vehicle having such a service brake installation, are also to be made available.

This object may be achieved according to the invention by the features of the various embodiments as described herein.

Proposed according to first to third aspects of the invention is an at least 1-channel electro-pneumatic pressure control module, embodied as a functional unit, for an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle, having at least one first pressure control channel which is able to be electrically controlled in terms of a first service brake pressure, wherein

-   a) for the first pressure control channel, the first service brake     pressure for at least one service brake cylinder of the service     brake installation is generated based on an operating air emanating     from at least one compressed-air reservoir as a function of an     electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot brake     valve; and wherein -   b) the first pressure control channel generates the first service     brake pressure in the at least one service brake cylinder on at     least one first axle; and wherein -   c) the pressure control module has at least the following: at least     one reservoir connector for connecting the at least one     compressed-air reservoir; at least one first operating connector of     the first pressure control channel for connecting the at least one     first service brake cylinder on the at least one first axle; at     least one first electric communications port for feeding at least     one signal which represents a first service brake nominal pressure     for the first pressure control channel and which is formed based on     an electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot     brake valve of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation; and     at least one first ventilation of the first pressure control     channel; as well as at least one first voltage supply connector for     supplying the pressure control module with an electric voltage; and     wherein -   d) in the pressure control module     -   d1) an electronic control apparatus is integrated, the         electronic control apparatus being configured such that the         electronic control apparatus, as a function of the signal which         is present at the first electric communications port and         represents the first service brake nominal pressure for the         first pressure control channel, generates a first electric         control signal, corresponding to the first nominal service brake         pressure, for a first electro-magnetic valve installation of the         first pressure control channel; and     -   d2) the first electro-magnetic valve installation is integrated,         the first electro-magnetic valve installation, as a function of         the first electric control signal from the reservoir pressure of         the at least one compressed-air reservoir, modulating a first         actual service brake pressure at the first operating connector         of the first pressure control channel; and     -   d3) at least one first pressure sensor is integrated, the first         pressure sensor for a comparison with the first nominal service         brake pressure feeding into the electronic control apparatus a         first pressure measurement signal which represents the measured         first actual service brake pressure into the electronic control         apparatus, wherein the electronic control apparatus is         furthermore configured such that the electronic control         apparatus for the first pressure control channel performs a         reconciliation between the first actual service brake pressure         and the first nominal service brake pressure and, as a function         of this reconciliation, actuates the first electro-magnetic         valve installation in such a manner that the first nominal         service brake pressure is present at the first operating         connector; wherein -   e) the electronic control apparatus has a circuit board which     supports electric and electronic components, wherein routines at     least for the service brake pressure control at least for the first     pressure control channel are implemented in the electric and     electronic components; wherein -   f) at least one inertial sensor is disposed on or at the at least     one circuit board and is connected in an electrically conducting     manner to at least some of the electric and electronic components on     the circuit board such that the output signals of the at least one     inertial sensor are able to be fed into the at least some electric     and electronic components.

The pressure control module therefore represents a functional unit in a common housing or in individual housings which are flange-fitted to one another, having at least the connectors mentioned above. The pressure control module can in particular represent an arbitrary 1-channel or multiple-channel pressure control module within an electro-pneumatic service brake installation.

At least one inertial sensor (for example a yaw rate sensor, a longitudinal acceleration sensor, a transverse acceleration sensor), the sensor signals thereof then being utilized as input signals for the driving dynamics or driving stability control system herein are disposed at or on the circuit board of the electronic control apparatus of the pressure control module that supports electric and electronic components, at least the routines for the brake pressure control being implemented in the electronic control apparatus and also the routines for the driving dynamics or driving stability control optionally (but not mandatorily) being potentially implemented in the electronic control apparatus. On account of the integration of the at least one inertial sensor in the pressure control module, sensor connectors as well as a dedicated sensor housing for the at least one inertial sensor can be dispensed with in this instance.

This however then presents the issue that the at least one inertial sensor by vibrations and oscillations which emanate from switching procedures of solenoid valves of at least the first electro-pneumatic valve installation also are transmitted to the circuit board and thus also to the at least one inertial sensor disposed on the circuit board, the measured signals of the inertial sensor potentially being falsified on account thereof.

According to the first aspect of the invention it is provided that

-   g) the pressure control module includes oscillation-decoupling     arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the at least     one inertial sensor from oscillations or impact sound to which the     circuit board or components of the pressure control module is/are     exposed during operation, and the oscillation-decoupling     arrangement/apparatus comprise a decoupling portion of a circuit     board body of the circuit board on which the at least one initial     sensor is held or disposed, wherein the decoupling portion by at     least one clearance that partially or completely penetrates the     circuit board body of the circuit board is separated from a     remainder of the circuit board body of the circuit board with the     exception of at least one circuit board bridge portion which     connects, in particular in the manner of a bridge, the decoupling     portion to the remainder of the circuit board body, wherein at least     one electric connection between the at least one inertial sensor and     the electric and electronic components on the remainder of the     circuit board body is routed along the circuit board bridge portion,     the electric connection directing the output signals of the at least     one inertial sensor to the electric and electronic components.

The pressure control module includes in particular oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus which indeed electrically connect the at least one inertial sensor to the circuit board but decouple the latter from oscillations or impact sound to which the circle board is exposed in the operation of the pressure control module. Such undesirable oscillations are generated above all by the switching impacts of armatures of solenoid valves that move back and forth at a high frequency, for example, the solenoid valves being integrated in the pressure control module. The oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus in this instance include resilient or “soft” elements such as the at least one circuit board bridge portion which on the decoupling portion decouple the impact sound by virtue of the relatively high excitation frequencies of the solenoid valves from the at least one inertial sensor.

The oscillation-decoupling arrangement may comprise a decoupling portion of a circuit board body of the circuit board on which the at least

According to a refinement of the first aspect, the at least one clearance includes at least one (continuous) slot in the circuit board body, the slot at least partially surrounding the decoupling portion with the exception of the at least one circuit board bridge portion. The circuit board bridge portion in this instance forms a type of resilient “spring tongue” on which the decoupling portion of the circuit board body, conjointly with the at least one inertial sensor, is resiliently mounted in this instance. Because of the circuit board bridge portion, the slot herein can partially surround the decoupling portion of the circuit board body, for example.

According to a further refining measure of the first aspect, the at least one clearance can at least be partially filled with a damping mass. The damping mass in the at least one slot, for example, likewise ensures a decoupling of oscillations in this instance.

According to a refining measure of the first aspect, the circuit board bridge portion at least in portions can also have a smaller thickness than the remainder of the circuit board body and/or the decoupling portion, this likewise leading to a more resilient configuration embodiment and thus to improved decoupling.

According to the second aspect of the invention it is provided that

-   g) the pressure control module an electric contacting device for     resiliently electrically contacting the circuit board by way of at     least one solenoid valve of at least the first electro-magnetic     valve installation, is provided, the electrical contacting device     comprising at least a spring element which extends from the circuit     board up to the at least one solenoid valve and by way of which the     circuit board and the at least one solenoid valve are mounted so as     to be mutually resilient in at least one degree of freedom of     movement, on the one hand, and the circuit board and the at least     one solenoid valve are connected to one another in an electrically     conducting manner, on the other hand.

Consequently, the at least one spring element in the context of a dual function provides a sprung and thus resilient mounting between the circuit board conjointly with the inertial sensor and the at least one solenoid valve, on the one hand, and simultaneously an electrically conducting connection between the circuit board and the at least one solenoid valve which permits controlling the at least one solenoid valve by electric and electronic components which are disposed on the circuit board, the at least one initial sensor also being part of the electric and electronic components in this instance. Routines of a driving dynamics or driving stability control system by way of which the at least one solenoid valve is controlled or regulated in this instance so as to be able to decelerate individual wheels in a targeted manner may be implemented in the electric and electronic components of the circuit board.

According to a refining measure of the second aspect, the at least one degree of freedom of movement includes a translatory and/or a rotary degree of freedom of movement.

According to a further refining measure of the second aspect, the at least one spring element can include a coil spring which is mounted so as to be clamped between the circuit board and the at least one solenoid valve.

Furthermore, the at least one circuit board can be secured on a face of a cover of a module housing of the pressure control module that points into the interior of the pressure control module, for example be secured in a friction-fitting manner on that face of the cover that points into the interior on account of the force of the at least one spring element, and, when placing the cover onto the module housing of the pressure control module, the at least one spring element can be pretensioned between the circuit board and the at least one solenoid valve. Moreover, the at least one spring element can be centered on the circuit board and/or on the at least one solenoid valve by centering arrangement/apparatus such as, for example, a protrusion which protrudes into the interior of the coil spring. The at least one spring element in this instance is guided or established, respectively, in a defined manner in the module housing but in the case of a coil spring, for example, permits to a certain degree a “sprung” movement along the longitudinal axis of the coil spring between the circuit board that supports the at least one inertial sensor and the at least one solenoid valve (degree of freedom of translatory movement), this resulting in a more resilient mounting of the circuit board conjointly with the inertial sensor, and thus in a decoupling of oscillations between the circuit board and the solenoid valve. This is because the oscillations which emanate from switching procedures of solenoid valves are most often of a higher frequency in comparison to the lower inherent frequency of the circuit board conjointly with the inertial sensor that are “soft”-mounted by the at least one spring element, so that a transmission of impact sound from the solenoid valve to the circuit board conjointly with the inertial sensor is impeded.

According to the third aspect of the invention it is provided that

-   g) at least one solenoid valve of the first electro-magnetic valve     installation is formed by a tilting armature valve having a     pivotably configured tilting armature.

Such tilting armature valves having a pivotably configured tilting armature during operation cause less excitation of oscillations than usual solenoid valves having an armature which moves in a reciprocating translatory manner.

According to a refinement of the third aspect, the tilting armature valve can in particular comprise the following:

-   a) a half shell; -   b) a cover element which covers the half shell in a fluid-tight     manner so as to form a valve chamber, wherein the cover element has     at least one control aperture and a passage for directing a fluid     through the valve chamber; -   c) a magnetically conducting tilting armature having at least one     sealing element, wherein the tilting armature in the valve chamber     is mounted so as to be movable between an opening position and a     closing position, wherein the sealing element in the closing     position closes the control aperture in a fluid-tight manner and in     the opening position releases the latter; and -   d) a coil installation which is disposed on a base of the half shell     that is outside the valve chamber and opposite the cover element and     is configured so as to move the tilting armature between the opening     position and the closing position; wherein -   e) the coil installation has a magnetically conducting coil core and     at least one coil that is wound about the coil core, wherein the     coil core in the longitudinal direction is disposed so as to be     substantially parallel to the base.

According to a refinement of this third aspect, a damper element which is disposed on a side of the tilting armature that faces the base or on a side of the base that faces the tilting armature so as to attenuate a mechanical oscillation, in particular a vibration and/or a shock and/or an impact, of the tilting armature when the tilting armature moves to the opening position thereof, in particular wherein the damper element is fastened to the tilting armature or to the base while using an adhesive material. The damper element in this instance ensures an even more attenuated movement of the tilting armature.

According to a refinement of the first, second and/or third aspect of the invention, the pressure control module can be formed by a central 2-channel electro-pneumatic pressure control module, for the electro-pneumatic service brake installation of the vehicle, having at least two pressure control channels which are able to be electrically controlled in terms of a brake pressure and of which one electrically controllable pressure control channel is the first pressure control channel, and of which a further electrically controllable pressure control channel is a second electrically controllable pressure control channel, wherein

-   a) for the electrically controllable pressure control channels, a     controlled service brake pressure for the at least one service brake     cylinder of the service brake installation is in each case generated     based on the operating air emanating from the at least one     compressed-air reservoir as a function of the electric brake request     signal of the electric channel of the foot brake valve; and wherein -   b) the second pressure control channel generates a second controlled     service brake pressure in service brake cylinders on at least one     second axle; and wherein -   c) the pressure control module furthermore has at least the     following: at least the first electric communications port for     feeding at least one signal which represents a second service brake     nominal pressure for the second pressure control channel and which     is formed based on the electric brake request signal of the electric     channel of the foot brake valve of the electro-pneumatic service     brake installation; at least a second operating connector of the     second pressure control channel for connecting at least one service     brake cylinder of the at least one second axle; a second ventilation     for the second pressure control channel; and wherein -   d) in the pressure control module (16)     -   d1) the electronic control apparatus is integrated, the         electronic control apparatus as a central electronic brake         control apparatus of the service brake installation being         configured in such a manner that the electronic control         apparatus, as a function of the signal which is present at the         first electric communications port, for the second pressure         control channel generates a second electric control signal,         corresponding to a second nominal service brake pressure, for a         second electro-magnetic valve installation of the second         pressure control channel that is independent of the first         electromagnetic valve installation; and     -   d2) the second electro-magnetic valve installation is         integrated, the second electro-magnetic valve installation, as a         function of the second electric control signal from the         reservoir pressure of the at least one compressed-air reservoir,         modulating a second actual service brake pressure for the second         operating connector of the second pressure control channel; and     -   d3) at least one second pressure sensor is integrated, wherein         the second pressure sensor for a comparison with the second         nominal service brake pressure feeds a second pressure         measurement signal which represents the measured second actual         service brake pressure into the electronic control apparatus,         wherein the electronic control apparatus in this instance is         furthermore configured such that the electronic control         apparatus for the second pressure control channel performs a         reconciliation between the second actual service brake pressure         and the second nominal service brake pressure and, as a function         of this reconciliation, actuates the second electro-magnetic         valve installation in such a manner that the second nominal         service brake pressure is present at the second operating         connector; wherein -   e) the electronic control apparatus is furthermore configured such     that the electronic control apparatus, as a function of output     signals of the at least one inertial sensor feeds actuating signals     into the first electro-magnetic valve installation and/or into the     second electro-magnetic valve installation so as to carry out     braking corresponding to a driving dynamics or driving stability     control system by at least one service brake cylinder; and wherein     -   e) the electronic control apparatus has the circuit board which         supports electric and electronic components, wherein routines at         least for controlling the brake pressure within the first and         the second pressure control channel and for the driving dynamics         or driving stability control system are implemented in the         electric and electronic components; wherein -   f) the output signals of the at least one inertial sensor are able     to be fed into the at least some electric and electronic components     in order to carry out the driving dynamics or driving stability     control.

In other words, the central electronic brake control apparatus having the routines for the brake pressure control and for the driving dynamics control is integrated in such a pressure control module, on the one hand. Because of this integration in the central pressure control module, a central electronic brake control apparatus disposed outside the central pressure control module, as in EP 1 122 142 A1 mentioned at the outset, is therefore no longer present in the electro-pneumatic service brake installation according to the invention. Rather, the central electronic brake control apparatus of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation is integrated in the central pressure control module, the central electronic brake control apparatus, apart from the brake pressure control, potentially also relating to even higher-level functions such as, for example, a brake force distribution to the front and the rear axle, a driving dynamics control system, a driving stability control system (ESC), a traction control system (TCS), a rollover stability system (RPS), an anti-wheel lock control system (ABS), as well as in particular also controls relating to at least partial autonomous driving.

The term “integrated” herein means an inclusion of hardware components and of software components in the central pressure control module.

On the other hand, at least also an inertial sensor (for example a yaw rate sensor, a longitudinal acceleration sensor, a transverse acceleration sensor) is disposed at or on the circuit board of the central electronic brake control apparatus that supports electric and electronic components in which the routines for the brake pressure control and the driving dynamics control system are implemented, the sensor signals of the inertial sensor being utilized as input signals for the driving dynamics control system.

The at least 2-channel central pressure control module, this because the latter controls the brake pressure in the first pressure control circuit (for example the front axle) and the brake pressure in the second pressure control circuit (for example the rear axle) of the vehicle, thus represents a “central module” because the latter carries out all of the braking functions at least for the at least one front axle and the at least one rear axle and thus forms a central integrated building block of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a 4×2 or 4×4 vehicle.

For the basic function of “service braking while controlling the brake pressure” in the two pressure control circuits in the electro-pneumatic service brake installation by way of such a central pressure control module, only the foot brake valve having the electric channel (electric brake value transducer) for generating the electric brake request signal formed as a function of the activation, the service brake cylinders on the front and the rear axle, and the at least one compressed-air reservoir therefore still have to be added. Two pneumatic backup service brake circuits for the front and the rear axle can optionally also be provided.

Consequently, in this instance significantly fewer electric and pneumatic lines between components of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation are to be routed in comparison to the prior art. This reduces the complexity for pneumatic piping, installations of cables, as well as for electric contacting. The central pressure control module in this instance can already be built to specifications and tested at the vendor of the brake installation, this increasing the operational reliability.

It is also particularly advantageous that by far the most vehicles in which such an electro-pneumatic brake installation is used are vehicles with the wheel formula 4×2 (4 wheels of which two wheels are driven) and with brake pressure control on the first and the second axle, wherein such a central pressure control module, or the integrated central brake control apparatus thereof, respectively, in such an instance can assume the service brake functions as well as the higher-level functions mentioned above.

In further stages of specification, in which instance at least one further braked axle (further front or rear axle) is present, for example, at least one further pressure control module can then be provided for the respective additional (front and/or rear) axle, a specific brake pressure nominal value which is assigned to the additional axle being then predefined for the further pressure control module by the central pressure control module (“central module”), more specifically by the integrated central electronic brake control apparatus of the central pressure control module, such that, using the central pressure control module (“central module”) as a base, various stages of specification of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation for a 4×2 or a 4×4 vehicle, for example, or else for a 6×2, a 6×4, a 6×6, or else an 8×8 vehicle, are possible in the manner of a parts kit without any major complexity.

ABS pressure control valves can optionally be disposed between the central pressure control module as the “central module” and the brake cylinders on the wheels of the first axle and the second axle, the ABS pressure control valves also permitting the brake pressure in these brake cylinders to be controlled/regulated in a wheel-individual manner even when the wheel brake cylinders on the left and the right wheels of the first and the second axle are in each case connected to a single channel of the “central module”, and the service brake pressure in this instance would be able to be controlled only in an axle-wise manner. Therefore, not only a usual ABS control but also a wheel-individual adaptation/control/regulation of the service brake pressure in the wheel brake cylinders could be performed by the ABS pressure control valves that are controlled by the central electronic brake control apparatus in order for the driving dynamics control system to be implemented should the latter require this. Wheel-individual brake pressures in this instance can be additionally generated with the aid of the, for example, only 2-channel central pressure control module which controls separately the service brake pressures for the front and the rear axle, for example.

Likewise optionally, ABS pressure control valves can be disposed between the further pressure control module for the further axle and the brake cylinders on the wheels of the further axle, the ABS pressure control valves permitting wheel-individual controlling/regulating of the brake pressure in these wheel brake cylinders even when the wheel brake cylinders on the left and the right wheels of the further axle are connected to a single pressure control channel of the further pressure control module and the service brake pressure in this instance would actually be able to be controlled only in an axle-wise manner.

The optional measures described above widen the specifications potentials of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation as a “modular parts kit” which is based on the central pressure control module.

According to a refinement of the central pressure control module, the electric contacting device according to the second aspect of the invention can (also) be provided for resiliently electrically contacting the circuit board by way of at least one solenoid valve of the second electro-magnetic valve installation.

According to a further refinement of the central pressure control module, at least one solenoid valve of the second electro-magnetic valve installation can also be formed by a tilting armature valve having a pivotably configured tilting armature according to the third aspect of the invention.

In particular in the case of the central pressure control module, or else in the case of an arbitrary 2-channel pressure control module (two pressure control channels), for configuring pressure control channels having separate pneumatic circuits, a dedicated first reservoir pressure connector can be provided for the first pressure control channel and a dedicated second reservoir pressure connector which is separate in terms of the first reservoir pressure connector can be provided for the second pressure control channel, wherein at least one first compressed-air reservoir is able to be connected to the first reservoir pressure connector, and at least one second compressed-air reservoir which is separate in terms of the first compressed-air reservoir is able to be connected to the second reservoir pressure connector, wherein the pneumatic flow paths of the first pressure control channel, proceeding from the first reservoir pressure connector up to the first operating connector, are configured so as to be pneumatically separate from the pneumatic flow paths of the second pressure control channel, proceeding from the second reservoir pressure connector up to the second operating connector.

In this case, pressure control channels having pneumatically completely separate circuits and having in each case a dedicated reservoir air supply are therefore present, proceeding from the respective compressed-air reservoir up to the assigned service brake cylinders, such that the failure of the reservoir area assigned to one pressure control channel cannot lead to a functional failure of the entire pressure control module since the further pressure control channels, by virtue of the separate supply thereof with reservoir air, continue to be functional. Last but not least, apart from the pressure control channels which are anyway assigned to the compressed-air reservoirs, no additional compressed-air reservoir is required.

This is particularly advantageous when a pressure control module has two pneumatically separate pressure control channels of which one pressure control channel is assigned to an axle, here for example a front axle, and one pressure control channel is assigned to a further axle, here for example a rear axle. Such two-axle vehicles having four braked wheels represent the large majority, in particular in the commercial vehicle sector. In the event of a failure of one pressure control channel and thus of the brakes of one axle, braking in this instance can still take place using the wheel brakes on the other axle.

In the pressure control module a first operating connector may therefore be provided for connecting at least one service brake cylinder of the front axle, and at least one second operating connector is provided for connecting at least one service brake cylinder of at least a second axle of the vehicle. A first pressure control channel with a pneumatically separate circuit can be assigned at least to a front axle, and a second pressure control channel with a pneumatically separate circuit can be assigned at least to a rear axle, for example.

In particular in the case of the central pressure control module, or else in the case of an arbitrary 2-channel pressure control module, a first backup connector of a first pneumatic backup circuit, and a second backup connector of a second pneumatic backup circuit, can be provided, wherein a first backup pressure which is emitted by the first compressed-air reservoir and supplied by a first pneumatic channel of the front brake valve, and a second backup pressure which is emitted by the second compressed-air reservoir and is supplied by a second pneumatic channel of the foot brake valve, are able to be fed into the first backup connector, wherein the brake pressures at the operating connectors are formed with the aid of the first backup circuit and the second backup circuit in the event of the failure or a malfunction of the electric pressure control channels that are able to be controlled as separate circuits.

In particular in the case of the central pressure control module, or else in the case of an arbitrary 2-channel pressure control module, a first pneumatic backup flow path of the first backup circuit, proceeding from the first backup connector up to the first operating connector, can be configured so as to be pneumatically separate in terms of a second pneumatic backup flow path of the second backup connector circuit, proceeding from the second backup connector up to the second operating connector.

In particular in the case of the central pressure control module, or else in the case of an arbitrary 2-channel pressure control module, a first electro-pneumatic backup valve of the first electro-magnetic valve installation can be disposed in the first pneumatic backup flow path, and a second electro-pneumatic backup valve of the second electro-magnetic valve installation can be disposed in the second pneumatic backup flow path, wherein the electro-pneumatic backup valves are configured and actuated by the central electronic brake control apparatus such that the backup valves lock the first and the second backup flow path in the case of intact electric pressure control channels, and activate the first and the second backup flow path in the event of an error or of a malfunction of the electric pressure control channels in order to further increase the functional reliability of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation.

The driving dynamics or driving stability control system can in particular include at least one of the following controls: a driving stability control system (ESC); an anti-wheel lock control systems (ABS); a traction control system (TCS); rollover stability system (RPS); a control system for at least partially autonomous driving.

The central electronic brake control apparatus of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation that is integrated in the central pressure control module, apart from controlling the brake pressure, can in particular also control/regulate or carry out, respectively, even higher-level functions such as, for example, a distribution of brake force to the front and the rear axle; a driving dynamics or driving stability control system (ESP); a traction control system (TSC); rollover stability system (RPS); anti-wheel lock control system (ABS); as well as in particular also controls relating to at least partially autonomous driving. The term “integrated” herein means an inclusion of hardware components and of software components in the central pressure control module.

According to a refinement, the central pressure control module can have at least one second electric voltage supply connector for supplying an electric voltage to at least one further pressure control module and at least one second communications port for communicating with the at least one further pressure control module, wherein

-   a) the at least one further pressure control module controls in a     self-acting manner the brake pressure in connected service brake     cylinders of at least one further axle; and wherein -   b) the central electronic brake control apparatus of the service     brake installation, as a function of the electric brake request     signals which are present at the first communications port feeds     into the second communications port at least one third electric     control signal, corresponding to a nominal brake pressure for the at     least one further axle, for the at least one further pressure     control module so that the further pressure control module adjusts     the brake pressure in at least one service brake cylinder connected     thereto.

The at least one further pressure control module herein can be one of the following pressure control modules: a 1-channel pressure control module which adjusts the same brake pressure on wheels which are on different sides of at least one axle; a 2-channel pressure control module which adjusts a side-individual brake pressure on wheels which are on different sides of at least one axle.

In stages of specification of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation, in which instance at least one further braked axle (further front or rear axle) is present, for example, at least one further such pressure control module can then be provided for the respective additional (front and/or rear) axle, a specific brake pressure nominal value which is assigned to the additional axle being then predefined for the further pressure control module by the central pressure control module (“central module”), more specifically by the integrated central electronic brake control apparatus of the central pressure control module, such that, using the central pressure control module (“central module”) as a base, various stages of specification of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation for vehicles having more than two axles are also possible in the manner of a parts kit without any major complexity.

According to one refinement, the pressure control module can have at least one third electric voltage supply connector for supplying a voltage to at least one trailer control module, and at least one third communications port for communicating with the trailer control module, wherein

-   a) the trailer control module with the aid of integrated electronic     trailer brake control electronics controls the brake pressure in     service brake cylinders of a trailer; and wherein -   b) the central electronic brake control apparatus of the service     brake installation, as a function of the electric brake request     signals which are present at the first electric communications port,     feeds into the third communications port a fourth electric control     signal, corresponding to a nominal brake pressure, for the trailer     control module so as to control the brake pressure in service brake     cylinders of the trailer that are connected to the trailer control     module.

This applies in the case of the trailer control module having “intelligence” in the form of the trailer brake control electronics by way of which the controlling to the brake pressure nominal value for the trailer takes place.

In the case of the trailer control module not having any “intelligence” in the form of trailer brake control electronics, the central pressure control module can have at least one control connector for solenoid valves of a trailer control module and at least one sensor connector for at least one pressure sensor of the trailer control module, for example, wherein the central electronic brake control apparatus of the central pressure control module in this instance feeds a fourth electric control signal into the control connector for the solenoid valves of the trailer control module so as to control the brake pressure in service brake cylinders of a trailer to a nominal brake pressure for the service brake cylinders of the trailer. On the other hand, the central electronic brake control apparatus receives from the at least one pressure sensor of the trailer control module a signal which represents the actual brake pressure in the service brake cylinders of the trailer generated on account of the actuation of the solenoid valves, and in this case carries out the controlling of the brake pressure to the nominal brake pressure.

The central pressure control module can also have output stages for ABS pressure control valves that are provided for being disposed between the first operating connector of the first axle and the service brake cylinders of the first axle, and between the second operating connector of the second axle and the service brake cylinders of the second axle, wherein routines are implemented in the electronic control apparatus, by way of which routines control signals for the ABS pressure control valves are emitted and by way of which, based on the service brake pressures which are controlled in an axle-wise manner in the pressure control channels of the first axle and of the second axle, service brake pressures which are individual for each wheel on the first axle and on the second axle are in each case generated with the aid of the ABS pressure control valves, in particular for carrying out driving dynamics or driving stability control.

The service brake pressure in a wheel brake cylinder of a braked wheel of the first axle and/or of the second axle can in this instance be adapted/controlled or regulated by an ABS pressure control valve which is controlled by the central electronic brake control apparatus so as to carry out wheel-individual service braking of the respective wheel even when the service brake pressure in wheel brakes of wheels on different sides of one axle is controlled by a common pressure control channel.

The central electronic brake control apparatus in the central pressure control module in this case includes corresponding routines, for example, which enable the brake pressure to be set/controlled/regulated in a wheel-individual manner on wheels on different sides of an axle which by way of the respective pressure control channel is actually controlled by a uniform brake pressure. Such a wheel-individual brake pressure on at least one braked wheel of the first axle and/or of the second axle in this instance is set by the central electronic brake control apparatus of the central brake control module for carrying out controlling or regulating for which such a wheel-individual brake pressure is necessary or expedient, respectively, such as, for example, for an anti-wheel lock control system (ABS); a traction control system (TSC); a driving dynamics or driving stability control system (ESC); a rollover stability system (RPS); and/or for controlling at least partially autonomous driving of the vehicle.

The first electro-magnetic valve installation and the second electro-magnetic valve installation in the pressure control module can in each case also have a relay valve installation which is pneumatically controlled by an electro-magnetic inlet/outlet valve combination, wherein the relay valve installations on the output side are controlled by way of the first and second operating connectors, and the electro-magnetic inlet/outlet valve combinations are controlled by the electronic control apparatus.

The inlet/outlet valve combination can include, for example, at least one 2/2-way solenoid valve and/or at least one 3/2-way solenoid valve, and the relay valve installation can include at least one relay valve having an integrated double-seated valve.

The central pressure control module can also have inputs for wheel rotating speed sensors of the wheels of the vehicle and/or for brake wear sensors so as to be based on the signals of wheel rotating speed sensors, for example, carry out driving dynamics control or driving stability control (ESC); traction control (TSC); or anti-wheel lock control (ABS) by the electronic control apparatus.

The inertial sensor can comprise at least one of the following sensors: an acceleration sensor (for example a longitudinal acceleration sensor, a transverse acceleration sensor) which measures the acceleration in one axis, in two or three axes (x-, y-, z-direction), and/or a yaw rate sensor.

The pressure control module can also have at least one vehicle data bus port for connecting to a vehicle data bus. In this instance, the electronic control apparatus of the pressure control module that is connected to the vehicle data bus port is enabled to communicate with other control apparatuses, the electronic control apparatus of the pressure control module in this instance then being able to check information present on the vehicle data bus, such as specific vehicle parameters and/or propulsion machine parameters and/or vehicle state data, or a the electrical control apparatus of the pressure control module receiving control signals from other control apparatuses such as a control apparatus having routines for at least partially autonomous driving, so as to be able to perform automatic braking actions with the aid of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation independently of the driver, for example.

The invention also relates to an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle, in particular having at least one electrically controllable pressure control channel including at least one pressure control module as described above.

In the case of such a service brake installation, the electric channel of the foot brake valve, or else another pressure control module, can be connected to the at least one first communications port of the pressure control module, in particular by a data bus or at least one analog signal line.

In a refinement of the service brake installation, a control apparatus of a system for at least partially autonomous driving can furthermore be connected to the at least one first communications port of the pressure control module, the control apparatus by way of the at least one first communications port feeding brake request signals into the pressure control module, for example by way of a data bus.

In the service brake installation, at least one further pressure control module, in particular a further pressure control module as described above, can be connected to a second communications port of the pressure control module, for example by way of a data bus or by way of at least one analog signal line, wherein the at least one further pressure control module is one of the following pressure control modules: a 1-channel pressure control module which adjusts the same brake pressure on wheels on different sides of at least one axle; a 2-channel pressure control module which adjusts a side-individual brake pressure on wheels on different sides of at least one axle.

The at least one further pressure control module herein can control in a self-acting manner the brake pressure in connected service brake cylinders of at least one further axle, wherein the electronic control apparatus of the in particular central pressure control module, as a function of the signal present at the first communications port, feeds into the second communications port at least one third electric control signal, corresponding to the nominal brake pressure for the at least one further axle, for the at least one further pressure control module so that the further pressure control module adjusts the brake pressure in the connected service brake cylinders.

According to a possible measure in the service brake installation, a trailer control module which with the aid of electronic integrated trailer control electronics controls the brake pressure in the service brake cylinders of a trailer can be connected to a third communications port of the pressure control module, for example by way of a data bus or by way of at least one analog signal line.

In order for pressure control channels which have pneumatically separated circuits to be configured in one embodiment of the service brake installation, at least one first compressed-air reservoir can be connected to the first reservoir pressure connector of the pressure control module, and at least one second compressed-air reservoir, which is separate in terms of the first compressed-air reservoir, can be connected to the second reservoir pressure connector of the pressure control module.

According to a refinement, the pressure control module in the service brake installation can have output stages for ABS pressure control valves that are disposed between the first operating connector of the first axle and the service brake cylinders of the first axle, and between the second operating connector of the second axle and the service brake cylinders of the second axle, wherein routines are in this instance implemented in the electronic control apparatus of the pressure control module, by way of which routines control signals for the ABS pressure control valves are emitted and by way of which, based on the service brake pressures which are controlled in an axle-wise manner in the pressure control channels of the first axle and of the second axle, service brake pressures which are individual for each wheel on the first axle and on the second axle are in each case generated with the aid of the ABS pressure control valves, in particular for carrying out ABS/TCS control and/or driving dynamics or driving stability control.

The service brake pressure in a wheel brake cylinder of a braked wheel of the first axle and/or of the second axle in this instance can be adapted/controlled or regulated by an ABS pressure control valve which is controlled by the central electronic brake control apparatus, so as to carry out wheel-individual service braking of the respective wheel, even when the service brake pressure in wheel brakes of wheels on different sides of an axle is controlled by a common pressure control channel. The electronic control apparatus in the pressure control module in this instance includes, for example, corresponding routines which permit wheel-individual setting/controlling/regulating of wheels on different sides of an axle which in terms of brake pressure is actually controlled in a uniform manner by the respective pressure control channel. Such a wheel-individual brake pressure on at least one braked wheel of the first axle and/or of the second axle is then set by the electronic control apparatus of the pressure control module for carrying out controlling or regulating for which such a wheel-individual brake pressure is necessary or expedient, respectively, such as, for example, for an anti-wheel lock control system (ABS); a traction control system (TCS); a driving dynamics or driving stability control system (ESC); a rollover stability system (RPS); and/or for controlling at least partially autonomous driving of the vehicle.

In the case of the service brake installation, at least one service brake cylinder of at least one first axle can be connected to a first operating connector of the pressure control module, and at least one service brake cylinder of at least one second axle can be connected to a second operating connector of the pressure control module.

The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular to a commercial vehicle, having an electro-pneumatic service brake installation described above.

More details are derived from the following description of exemplary embodiments.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and explained in more detail in the description hereunder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a commercial vehicle, having a central pressure control module according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the central pressure control module of FIG. 1 in an exploded illustration.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show highly schematic views of system architectures of electro-pneumatic service brake installations including a central pressure control module according to FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of the central pressure control module of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a commercial vehicle, having a central pressure control module according to a further embodiment of the invention for a 6×4 vehicle.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a commercial vehicle, having a central pressure control module according to a further embodiment of the invention for a 6×2 vehicle.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a commercial vehicle, having a central pressure control module according to a further embodiment of the invention for a 6×2 vehicle.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a commercial vehicle, having a central pressure control module according to a further embodiment of the invention for an 8×8 vehicle.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a commercial vehicle, having a central pressure control module according to a further embodiment of the invention for a 10×10 vehicle. and

FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a tilting armature valve, as is used individually or in multiples as an electro-magnetic valve in an electro-magnetic valve installation of the central pressure control module.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the central pressure control module can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor or the acceleration sensor, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment in which the central pressure control module can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor or the acceleration sensor, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which the central pressure control module can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor or the acceleration sensor, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment in which the central pressure control module can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor or the acceleration sensor, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which the central pressure control module can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor or the acceleration sensor, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment in which the central pressure control module can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor or the acceleration sensor, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment in which the central pressure control module can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor or the acceleration sensor, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment in which the central pressure control module can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor or the acceleration sensor, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment in which the central pressure control module can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor or the acceleration sensor, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound.

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment in which the central pressure control module can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor or the acceleration sensor, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment in which the central pressure control module can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor or the acceleration sensor, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound.

FIG. 22 shows an illustration of the vehicle having the central pressure control module having a solenoid valve and having a contacting device for resiliently electrically contacting the circuit board by the solenoid valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation 1, for example of a heavy commercial vehicle, having a foot brake value valve or a foot brake module 2, a first (front axle) reservoir pressure vessel 4 for supplying a first (front axle) pressure control channel 9, and a second (rear axle) reservoir pressure vessel 6 for supplying a second (rear axle) pressure control channel 11.

The provision of air, the treatment of air, and the safety measures here are embodied as prescribed by legislation by way of an air treatment module 8 which is not described in more detail here.

The second (rear axle) reservoir pressure vessel 6 by way of pneumatic supply lines 10, 12 is connected to a second (rear axle) reservoir connector 14 of a central, for example dual-channel, pressure control module 16, on the one hand, as well as to a second (rear axle) channel 26 of the foot brake valve 2.

In an analogous manner, the first (front axle) reservoir pressure vessel 4 by way of pneumatic supply lines 20, 22 is connected to a first (front axle) reservoir connector 24 of the central pressure control module 16, as well as to a first (front axle) channel 18 of the foot brake valve 2.

The foot brake valve 2 as a brake value transducer therefore comprises two pneumatic channels 18, 26 having in each case one brake valve in which, as a function of a brake requirement predefined by the foot of the driver, a pneumatic backup pressure or control pressure is generated in each case at the outputs of the two channels 18, 26. In parallel thereto, an electric front axle channel and an electric rear axle channel are combined in an electric channel 28 of the foot brake valve 2, the electric channel 28 as a function of the brake requirement feeding an electric brake requirement signal into an electric connection that may be configured as a data bus 30 between the foot brake valve 2 and the central pressure control module 16, the latter converting the brake requirement signal in different ways for the front axle and the rear axle, for example for reasons of distributing load.

Furthermore, the front axle channel 18 and the rear axle channel 26 of the foot brake valve 2 are in each case connected to assigned backup connectors 36, 38 of the central pressure control module 16 by way of a pneumatic control line 32, 34. Finally, one pneumatic brake line 40, 42 leads in each case from one operating connector 44, 46 of the central pressure control module 16 to pneumatic service brake cylinders 48, 50 for each wheel of the front axle or the rear axle, respectively, wherein one pressure control valve 52 for the ABS operation of each wheel may be disposed in these pneumatic brake lines 40, 42. These ABS pressure control valves 52 are actuated by the central pressure control module 16 by electric control lines 54.

Rotating speed sensors 56 by way of electric signal lines 58 report the current rotating speed of the wheels of the two-axle vehicle to the central pressure control module 16. Wear sensors 60 may likewise be provided for each wheel brake, the wear sensors as a function of the current wear on the brakes feeding signals into the central pressure control module 16 by way of electric signal lines 62.

Not least, a trailer control module 64 which is known per se and into which a pneumatic control pressure is fed from the rear axle channel 26 of the foot brake valve 2 by way of a pneumatic control line 124, on the one hand, and an electric control signal is fed from the central pressure control module 16, for example by way of the data bus 30, on the other hand.

The brake clamping installations 50 of the rear axle may be configured as known combination cylinders, that is to say as a combination of an active service brake cylinder and a passive spring brake cylinder. “Active” in this context means that the service brake cylinders clamp when aerated, and release when ventilated, and “passive” means that the spring brake cylinders clamp when ventilated and release when aerated. In contrast, only active service brake cylinders 48 are provided on the wheels of the front axle.

The central electro-pneumatic pressure control module 16 which is embodied as a functional unit, for example in a common module housing 92, has two pressure control channels which are able to be separately controlled, wherein, based on an operating air that emanates from one assigned compressed-air reservoir (front axle compressed-air reservoir 4, or rear axle compressed-air reservoir 6), a controlled operating pressure for the service brake cylinders 48, 50 of the front axle or the rear axle, respectively, is generated for each pressure control channel 9, 11 as a function of the electric brake request signals of the electric channel 28 of the foot brake valve 2, the operating pressure being present at the assigned operating connectors 44, 46.

In order for pressure control channels with pneumatically separated circuits to be configured (here: front axle pressure control channel 9 and rear axle pressure control channel 11), each pressure control channel 9, 11 is consequently assigned a dedicated compressed-air reservoir 4, 6 as well as a dedicated ventilation 5, 7, wherein the pneumatic flow paths of each of the pressure control channels 9, 11, proceeding from the assigned compressed-air reservoir 4, 6 by way of the assigned operating connectors 44, 46 up to the assigned service brake cylinders 48, 50, are configured so as to be pneumatically separate from the pneumatic flow path of a respective other pressure control channel. In particular, one separate compressed-air reservoir 4, 6 is provided for each of the pressure control channels that is able to be controlled in a separate circuit (front axle pressure control channel 9 and rear axle pressure control channel 11), and one separate reservoir connector 14, 24 for connecting the respective assigned compressed-air reservoir 4, 6 as well as a dedicated ventilation 5, 7 are in each case provided on the 2-channel pressure control module 16.

In order for an electro-pneumatic service brake installation having primarily electrically activated pressure control channels (front axle pressure control channel 9 and rear axle pressure control channel 11) and a secondary pneumatic fallback solution in the event of a failure of the electrics to be configured, each pressure control channel 9, 11 particularly may be assigned a dedicated pneumatic backup circuit having a dedicated backup connector 36, 38 on the central pressure control module 16 for feeding pneumatic backup or control pressures which are emitted by the reservoir pressure of the compressed-air reservoir 4, 6 that is assigned to the respective pressure control channel 9, 11 and formed by the front axle channel 18 and the rear axle channel 26 of the foot brake valve 2, from which backup or control pressures the brake pressures are formed in a channel-wise manner at the operating connectors 44, 46 of the pressure control channels 9, 11 in the event of a failure of electric components of the primarily electric service brake circuit.

Alternatively, in the case of service brake installations 1 in which the foot brake valve 2 has only one pneumatic channel and which are to be equipped with the central two-channel pressure control module 16, the central pressure control module 16 could also have only a single backup connector for feeding only one pneumatic backup pressure which is generated by the pneumatic channel of the foot brake valve 2 and from which, in the event of a failure of electric components, separate brake pressures at the operating connectors 44, 46 of the central pressure control module 16 are then formed with the aid of integrated circuit-separation arrangement/apparatus. In this variant, the same backup pressure acts on relay pistons of relay valves of both pressure control channels, for example. In countries with brake requirements according to ECE R13, a suitable circuit separation between the backup pressure or control pressure of the one pneumatic brake circuit and the brake pressure emitted from the reservoir pressure of the other pneumatic brake circuit can be provided by a double piston seal with intermediate ventilation on the relay pistons, for example. The circuit separation 128 in FIG. 4 is symbolized by a thick solid line that runs so as to be centric through the central pressure control module 16.

According to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 , the central, here two-channel, pressure control module 16 includes a central electronic brake control apparatus 66 which carries out at least all of the routines required for controlling the pressure of the pressure control channels (front axle pressure control channel 9 or rear axle pressure control channel 11, respectively) and for each pressure control channel, as a function of the electric brake request signals of the electric channel 28 of the foot brake valve 2, generates a first electric control signal, corresponding to a first nominal brake pressure, for the front axle control pressure channel 9, and a second electric control signal, corresponding to a second nominal brake pressure, for the rear axle pressure control channel 11. Furthermore present in the central pressure control module 16 are one dedicated electro-magnetic valve installation 68, 70 for each pressure control channel (front axle pressure control channel 9 or rear axle pressure control channel 11, respectively), the dedicated electro-magnetic valve installation 68, 70, as a function of the electric control signals of the electronic control installation 66, generating from the reservoir pressure of the assigned compressed-air reservoir 4, 6 an actual operating pressure for the operating pressure connector 44, 46 which is assigned to the respective pressure control channel 9, 11.

Such an electro-magnetically activated valve installation 68, 70 may include in each case one inlet valve 72, 74, one outlet valve 76, 78 as well as one backup or fallback valve 80, 82. In order for comparatively large quantities of air to be handled, the inlet valve 72, 74 and the outlet valve 76, 78 could in each case also actuate a control connector of a relay valve 84, 86 which then generates the brake pressure. The operating mode of such electro-magnetically activated valve installations 68, 70 is well known, for example from EP 0 845 397 A2, so that the matter is not discussed in more detail here.

Furthermore, one dedicated pressure sensor 88, 90 for each pressure control channel (front axle pressure control channel 9 or rear axle pressure control channel 11) is disposed in the central pressure control module 16, the dedicated pressure sensor 88, 90, as a function of the actual brake pressure emitted from the assigned electro-magnetic valve installation 68, 70, feeds into the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 a pressure measurement signal for comparison with the respective nominal brake pressure which for the front axle pressure control channel is represented by the first electric control signal and for the rear axle pressure control channel is represented by the second electric control signal, so as to aerate and ventilate in a controlled manner the service brake cylinders 48, 50 that are connected to the respective pressure control channel 9, 11. The operating connectors 44, 46 and thus the service brake cylinders 48, 50 that are connected thereto are ventilated by way of ventilations 5, 7 (FIG. 4 ). Ventilating the service brake cylinders 48, 50 however takes place by way of the reservoir connectors 14, 24.

The common central electronic brake control apparatus 66 then controls the pressure in the pressure control channels (front axle pressure control channel 9 or rear axle pressure control channel 11, respectively); consequently, all of the controlling and regulating routines, or the entire control electronics, respectively, of the electric pressure control channels are integrated in the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 of the central pressure control module 16. Furthermore, routines of a driving stability control system ESC (electronic stability control system) of a TCS (traction control system), of an ABS system (anti-wheel lock control system), and/or of a RSP system (rollover protection control system) may also be implemented in the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 which then can also intervene in an engine control unit of an engine of the vehicle, or in a steering control mechanism of an electric steering system of the vehicle, respectively.

At least the electoral-magnetically activated valve installations 68, 70 that are assigned to the pressure control channels (front axle pressure control channel 9 or rear axle pressure control channel 11, respectively), the pressure sensors 88, 90 as well as the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 particularly may be accommodated in a common module housing 92.

As is derived from FIG. 2 , the central pressure control module 16 may be embodied such that a circuit board 94 that supports electric and electronic components of the central electronic brake control apparatus 66; electric first, second, and third communications ports 96 for connecting the electric/electronic components such as, for instance, microprocessors and electronic circuits on the circuit board 94 to the data bus 30, for example; the pressure sensors 88, 90; electric plug contacts 98, 100 that are connected to the circuit board 94 are disposed in or on a housing part 102 which is embodied as a head part, for example, but the electro-magnetically activated valve installations 68, 70 having electric plug contacts 104, 106 that are complementary to the electric plug contacts 98, 100 of the one housing part 102, as well as pressure channels 108, 110 that are connected to the operating connectors 44, 46 therein are disposed in a further, here for example a lower, housing part 112. The two housing parts 102, 112 are releasably connected to one another, wherein, when the housing parts 102, 112 are being connected, the mutually assigned electric plug contacts 98, 104, or 100, 106, respectively, are electrically connected to one another, and the pressure sensors 88, 90 are pneumatically connected to the pressure-measuring side thereof, on the one hand, and to ports of the pressure channels 108, 110, on the other hand, in order to measure the actual operating pressure that is present at the operating pressure connectors 44, 46 by the pressure sensors 88, 90.

The plug contacts 100 may be configured on the circuit board 94 and when assembling the housing parts 102, 112 are automatically joined to the plug contacts 106 which are in each case configured on the head side on the electro-magnetically activated valves 72, 74, or 76, 78 or 80, 82, respectively. On account thereof, these valves can be actuated by the central electronic brake control apparatus 66, or by the electric and electronic components such as microprocessors or electric circuits on the circuit board 94, respectively. On the other hand, the plug contacts 98 and 104 in this instance also engage with one another in a conducting manner, the plug contacts 98 and 104 from the rotating speed sensors 56 or the wear sensors 60, respectively, directing wheel-related signals such as the wheel rotating speed and the pad wear by way of the signal lines 58, 62 into the lower housing part 112, for example, the signals then being fed from there into the circuit board 94 by way of the plug contacts 98, 104 so that the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 is supplied with corresponding data in order to be able to carry out ESC, ABS, TCS and RPS functions, which may be integrated, as well as potentially even further functions.

Alternatively, the pressure sensors 88, 90 could also be accommodated in the lower housing part 112 in which the electro-magnetic valve installations 68, 70 are also disposed, wherein the pneumatic connections between the operating connectors 44, 46 and the pressure sensors 88, 90 in this instance are already configured in the respective housing part 112. In this instance however, electric contacts which are able to connect when assembling the housing points 102, 112 are to be additionally provided on both housing parts 102, 112 so that the pressure sensors 88, 90 by way of the electric signal connection which is then fired can feed the signals representing the actual operating pressure into the central electronic brake control apparatus 66.

The central pressure control module 16 furthermore has first, second and third voltage supply connectors which are not explicitly shown here, wherein the first voltage supply connector serves for supplying the central pressure control module with electric power, the second voltage supply connector serves for supplying at least one further pressure control module 122 with electric power from the central pressure control module 16, and the third voltage supply connector serves for supplying the trailer control module 64 with electric power from the central pressure control module 16.

The central pressure control module 16 has a third communications port 96 for communicating with the trailer control module 64, wherein the trailer control module 64 controls the brake pressure in the service brake cylinders of a trailer with the aid of integrated electronic trailer brake control electronics. The central electronic brake control apparatus 66 of the central pressure control module 16, as a function of the electric brake request signals that are present at the first electric communications port 94, then feeds a fourth electric control signal for the trailer control module 64 into the third communications port 94, the fourth electric control signal corresponding to a nominal brake pressure, whereupon the trailer control module 64 by way of an integrated pressure sensor, an integrated electronic control apparatus and an integrated electro-pneumatic valve installation adjusts the nominal brake pressure in the service brake cylinders connected to the trailer control module. To this extent, the trailer control module 64 is constructed like a one-channel pressure control module. The third communications port 94 for transmitting data can in this instance be connected in particular to the data bus 30 to which the trailer control module 64 is also connected.

Should the trailer control module 64 not possess any integrated electronic control apparatus and thus any dedicated “intelligence”, the central pressure control module 16 can alternatively have at least one control connector for transmitting control signals for the integrated solenoid valves of the trailer control module 64, and at least one sensor connector for receiving sensor signals of at least one integrated pressure sensor of the trailer control module 64, wherein in this instance trailer brake pressure control routines which, based on the control signals and the sensor signals, adjust the brake pressure in service brake cylinders of the trailer to the nominal brake pressure are implemented in the central electronic brake control apparatus 66.

The central pressure control module 16 may be disposed on a chassis 114 of a commercial vehicle, so as to be substantially centric between the front axle 116 and the rear axle 118, as is derived in particular from FIG. 3A.

In the case of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation 1, having a two-channel central pressure control module 16 as described above, which may be two pressure control channels with pneumatically separate circuits (front axle pressure control channel 9 and rear axle pressure control channel 11) are therefore provided for the service brake cylinders 48, 50 of the front axle 116 and of the rear axle 118, wherein for the service brake cylinders of each further axle 120, for example a second rear axle or a lifting axle as shown in FIG. 3B, one further pressure control module 122, here for example a one-channel pressure control module 122, can be provided, the integrated electronic control apparatus of the latter in this instance communicating with the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 of the central pressure control module 66 by way of a data bus and also being centrally controlled by the central electronic brake control apparatus 66.

Instead of a front axle 116 and a rear axle 118, a pressure control channel 9 with a separate pneumatic circuit of at least one rear axle, and a pressure control channel 11 with a separate pneumatic circuit of at least one further rear axle can be configured in the central pressure control module 16. The central pressure control module 16 is also not limited to two pressure control channels but may also have more than two pressure control channels.

In the normal operation, the central pressure control module 16 by way of the data bus 30 is actuated by a brake request signal of the electric channel 28 of the foot brake valve 2, whereupon the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 thereof in a manner corresponding to this demand generates the first electric control signal and the second electric control signal for the pressure control channels of the front axle 116 and of the rear axle 118, the control signals in each case representing a specific nominal brake pressure and being fed into the electro-magnetic valve installations 68, 70. The latter, based on the respective reservoir pressure in the respective compressed-air reservoir 4, 6, then electrically generate an actual brake pressure which is fed into the service brake cylinders 48, 50. The pneumatic channels 18, 26 of the foot brake value valve 2 continue to feed the backup or control pressures for each pressure control channel (front axle pressure control channel 9 or rear axle pressure control channel 11, respectively) separately into the two backup connectors 36, 38 of the central pressure control module 16, wherein the backup or fallback valves 80, 82 therein are switched to the blocking position because the electric actuation has priority.

In the event of a failure of the electronics, compressed air from the two compressed-air reservoirs 4, 6 is fed by way of the two backup brake circuits, that is to say by way of the two pneumatic channels 18, 26 of the foot brake valve 2 and the two pneumatic control lines 32, 34, into the service brake cylinders 48, 50 by way of the backup or fallback valves 80, 82 which in the central pressure control module 16 are now switched to the open position. These two backup brake circuits then form the fallback for the electronic control and suffice for generating the legally prescribed auxiliary braking effect.

As has already been indicated above, the central electronic brake control apparatus 64 is furthermore configured such that the latter, as a function of output signals, for example here of an inertial sensor in the form of a yaw rate sensor 125, feeds actuating signals into the first electro-magnetic valve installation 68 and/or into the second electro-magnetic valve installation 70 so as to carry out driving dynamics control. The actuating signals by way of which the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 controls the first electro-magnetic valve installation 68 and/or the second electro-magnetic valve installation 70, then represent brake actuating signals for activating the wheel brakes on the front axle 116 and/or the rear axle 118 if required, for example in order to establish a vehicle stability in the context of an ESC system while driving. In the context of controlling driving stability, the ABS pressure control valves 52 here may be also actuated by the central pressure control module 16 so as to perform wheel-individual controlling of the brake pressure in the wheel brakes on the front axle 116 and/or on the rear axle 118, because the wheel brakes on the front axle 116 or on the rear axle, respectively, would otherwise be able to be in each case impinged only with a uniform brake pressure in the respective brake control channel 9, 11.

As is shown in particular in FIG. 4 , the central pressure control module 16 has output stages 17 for the ABS pressure control valves 52, the output stages 17 being disposed between the first operating connector 44 of the first axle 116 and the service brake cylinders 48 of the first axle 116, and between the second operating connector 46 of the second axle 118 and the service brake cylinders 50 of the second axle 118, wherein routines are implemented by way of which control signals for the ABS pressure control valves 52 are emitted, in the central electronic brake control apparatus 66, wheel-individual service brake pressures on the wheels of the first axle 116 and on the second axle 118, in particular for carrying out ABS controlling and/or the driving dynamics control, being generated, based on the service brake pressures, which in the pressure control channels of the first axle 116 and the second axle 118 are controlled only in an axle-wise manner, by the control signals with the aid of the ABS pressure control valves 52.

The service brake pressure in a wheel brake cylinder of a braked wheel of the first axle 116 and/or of the second axle 118 can then be adapted/controlled or regulated by an ABS pressure control valve 52 which for carrying out wheel-individual service braking of the respective wheel is controlled by the central electronic brake control apparatus 66, even when the service brake pressure in wheel brakes of wheels on different sides of an axle 116 or 118 is controlled by a common pressure control channel 9 or 11. The central electronic brake control apparatus 66 in the central pressure control module 16 in this instance includes corresponding routines which enable the brake pressure on wheels on different sides of an axle 116, 118, which in terms of brake pressure is actually uniformly controlled by the respective pressure control channel 9 or 11, to be set/controlled/regulated in a wheel-individual manner. Such a wheel-individual brake pressure on at least one braked wheel of the first axle 116 and/or of the second axle 118 is then set by the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 of the central pressure control module 16 in order to carry out controlling or regulating for which such a wheel-individual brake pressure is necessary or expedient, respectively, such as, for example, an anti-wheel lock control system (ABS); a traction control system (TCS); a driving stability control system (ESC); rollover protection control system (RPS), and/or for control for at least partially autonomous driving of the vehicle.

For a driving stability or driving dynamics control system ESC which here is implemented by corresponding routines in the central electronic brake control apparatus 66, for example, the yaw rate sensor 125 and, in an exemplary manner here, also an acceleration sensor 125 a are disposed on or at the circuit board 94 and connected in an electrically conducting manner to at least some of the electric and electronic components on the circuit board 94 in such a manner that the output signals of the yaw rate sensor 125 and of the acceleration sensor 125 a are able to be fed into the at least some electric and electronic components on the circuit board 94 in order to carry out the driving stability control ESC. In other words, electric contacts of the inertial sensor which here in an exemplary manner is embodied as a yaw rate sensor 125 and as an acceleration sensor 125 a are connected, for example bonded, to conductor paths and/or electric contacts on the circuit board 94.

As is already derived from FIG. 3B, at least one further pressure control module 122 can be connected to the second communications port 96 of the central pressure control module 16. The second communications port 94 for transmitting data in this instance can be connected in particular to the data bus 30 to which the further pressure control module 122 is also connected.

The further pressure control module 122 can in particular be formed by a 1-channel pressure control module which adjusts the same brake pressure on wheels on different sides of at least one further axle 120, or by a 2-channel pressure control module which adjusts a side-individual brake pressure on wheels on different sides of at least one further axle 120.

In the case of a 1-channel pressure control module being the further pressure control module 122, the central pressure control module 16, or the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 thereof, respectively, based on the electric brake request signals of the electric channel 28 of the foot brake valve 2, then controls a specific brake pressure nominal value for the further pressure control module 122 of the further axle 120 of the vehicle, for example for all wheel brake cylinders of this further axle 120, so that the further pressure control module 122, by way of an integrated electro-pneumatic valve installation, feeds into the connected service brake cylinders a service brake pressure which is measured by an integrated pressure sensor and by an integrated electronic control apparatus is then adjusted to the brake pressure nominal value provided for the further axle 120. The central pressure control module 16 therefore predefines for the further pressure control module 122 the specific brake pressure nominal value for the service brake cylinders that are connected to the further pressure control module, the brake pressure nominal value being adapted to a load of the further axle 120, for example.

In the case of a 1-channel pressure control module being the further pressure control module 122, the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 of the central brake control module 16 can also predefine two brake pressure nominal values which are specific to the further axle 120 and feed the brake pressure nominal values into the further pressure control module 122, wherein, in an approach which is analogous to that of the central pressure control module 16, one ABS pressure control valve is disposed on each side between the further pressure control module 122 and the wheel brake cylinders connected thereto, the brake pressure that is controlled by way of one channel by the further pressure control module then by way of the ABS pressure control valve being able to be adapted for each side by the electronic control apparatus which is integrated in the further pressure control module.

In the case of a 2-channel pressure control module being the further pressure control module 122, the central pressure control module 16, or the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 thereof, respectively, based on the electric brake request signals of the electric channel 28 of the foot brake valve 2, for the further pressure control module 122 of the further axle 120 of the vehicle then controls in each case one specific brake pressure nominal value for each pressure control channel of the further pressure control module 122 so as to control the service brake pressure on the further axle 120 in a side-wise manner, for example.

In a manner analogous to that of the central pressure control module 16, one electro-magnetic valve installation, optionally including a relay valve and a pressure sensor, is in this instance integrated in the further pressure control module 122 for each of the pressure control channels thereof (1-channel or 2-channel embodiment). Furthermore integrated is an electronic control apparatus which, with the aid of the respective electro-magnetic valve installation and of the respective pressure sensor, performs controlling of the pressure of the service brake pressure in at these one pressure control channel.

Such a further pressure control module 122, or the integrated electronic control apparatus thereof, respectively, in this instance is connected to the second communications port 96 of the central pressure control module 16 by way of the data bus 30, for example, so as to transmit brake control signals from the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 of the central pressure control module 16 to the further pressure control module. Feedback and sensor signals of the further pressure control module 122, for example sensor signals of a pressure sensor which is integrated in the further pressure control module 122 and which measures the service brake pressure in at least one pressure control channel of the further pressure control module 122, are likewise transmitted to the central pressure control module 16 by way of the data bus 30. Moreover, the supply of the additional pressure control module 122 with electric power takes place by way of the second voltage supply connector of the second pressure control module 16, for example.

FIG. 5 to FIG. 9 show examples of embodiments of electropneumatic brake installations which build upon the central pressure control module 16 in various specification levels. Identical and identically-acting components are denoted using the same reference numbers therein.

The circuit diagram of an embodiment of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation, for example for a 6×4 vehicle, which is based on the central pressure control module 16 is shown in FIG. 5 . Apart from the second axle 118 as the first rear axle herein, a further axle 120 is provided as a second rear axle, for example, wherein the brake pressure in the wheel brake cylinders on the second rear axle 120 is initially controlled conjointly with the service brake pressure in the wheel brake cylinders of the first rear axle 118 because no further pressure control module is present here. The conjoint controlling of the service brake pressure in the wheel brake cylinders of the two rear axles 118, 120 takes place by the second (rear axle) pressure control channel 11 of the central 2-channel pressure control module 16 and then in a side-wise manner by the ABS pressure control valves 52 which are common to the two rear axles 118, 120, so as to carry out the driving dynamics or driving stability control, for example. Furthermore, the trailer control module 64 is supplied with compressed air by a dedicated third reservoir pressure vessel 13 and is pneumatically controlled by the pneumatic first pneumatic backup circuit and by the first channel 18 of the foot brake valve 2. The electric control of the trailer control module 64 takes place as in FIG. 1 by the central electronic brake control apparatus 66, for example by way of the data bus 30.

The circuit diagram of a further embodiment of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation, for example for a 6×2 vehicle, which is based on the central pressure control module 16 is shown in FIG. 6 . Apart from the second axle 118 as the first rear axle herein, a further axle 120 is again provided as the second rear axle, for example, wherein the brake pressure in the wheel brake cylinders on the second rear axle 120 is controlled by a further, for example one-channel, pressure control module 122 which by way of a specific brake pressure nominal value that is assigned to one of the further axles 120 is controlled by the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 of the central pressure control module, wherein the further one-channel brake control module 122 in an exemplary manner here adjusts the predefined brake pressure nominal value in an axle-wise manner for all braked wheels of the further axle 120. However, by virtue of the ABS pressure control valves 52 which are provided on the second axle (first rear axle) 118, controlling/regulating the brake pressures in a side-individual manner is possible.

The circuit diagram of a further embodiment of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation, for example for a 6×2 vehicle, which is based on the central pressure control module 16 is shown in FIG. 7 . Apart from the second axle 118 as the first rear axle, a further axle 120 is again provided as a second rear axle, for example, wherein the brake pressure in the wheel brake cylinders on the second rear axle 120 is controlled by a further, for example two-channel, pressure control module 122 which by way of two specific brake pressure nominal values that are assigned to the further axle 120 is controlled by the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 of the central pressure control module, wherein the additional two-channel pressure control module 122 adjusts in a side-wise manner the respective predefined brake pressure nominal value, here for example for the wheel brake cylinders on the right side and for the wheel brake cylinders on the left side of the further axle 120, in each case in one pressure control channel (right, left). By virtue of the ABS pressure control valves 52 which are provided on the second axle (first rear axle) 118, controlling/regulating the brake pressures in a side-individual manner is furthermore also possible on the second axle 118.

The circuit diagram of a further embodiment of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation, for example for an 8×8 vehicle, which is based on the central pressure control module 16 is shown in FIG. 8 . Apart from the second axle 118 as the first rear axle herein, a first further axle 120 is again provided as the second rear axle, for example, and a second further axle 120 a is provided as the third rear axle, wherein the brake pressure in the wheel brake cylinders on the second rear axle 120 and also on this third rear axle 120 a is again controlled by a further, for example two-channel, pressure control module 122 which by way of two specific brake pressure nominal values that are assigned to the second rear axle 120 and to the third rear axle 120 a is controlled by the central electronic brake control apparatus 66 of the central pressure control module, wherein the additional two-channel pressure control module 122 adjusts in a sidewise manner the respective predefined brake pressure nominal value, here in an exemplary manner for the wheel brake cylinders on the right side and for the wheel brake cylinders on the left side of the second and the third rear axle 120, 120 a, in each case in one pressure control channel (right, left). By virtue of the ABS pressure control valves 52 which are provided on the second axle (first rear axle) 118, side-individual controlling/regulating of the brake pressures is furthermore also possible on the second axle 118 (first rear axle).

The circuit diagram of a further embodiment of an electro-pneumatic service brake installation, for example for a 10×10 vehicle, which is based on the central pressure control module 16 is shown in FIG. 9 . As opposed to FIG. 9 , a second further, for example 2-channel, pressure control module 116 a is provided for a further front axle 116 a, wherein the brake pressures in the right and left wheel brake cylinders of the further front axle 116 a are able to be controlled in a side-wise manner on account thereof.

At least one electro-magnetic valve (inlet valve 72, inlet valve 74, outlet valve 76, outlet valve 78) of the first electro-magnetic valve installation 68 and/or of the second electro-magnetic valve installation 70 may be formed by a tilting armature valve 100′ which is illustrated in a schematic cross-sectional illustration in FIG. 10 .

The tilting armature valve 100′ has a half shell 102′ which is closed in a fluid-tight manner by a cover element 104′ so as to form a valve chamber 106′. A tilting armature 108′ from a magnetically conducting material is disposed in the valve chamber 106′. The tilting armature 108′ is mounted so as to be rotatable between a closing position and an opening position. The tilting armature 108′ in 1 is situated in the closing position. The cover element 104′ has a control aperture 110′ and a passage 112′. Compressed air can be directed through the valve chamber 106′ by way of the control aperture 110′ and the passage 112′. The cover element 104 in FIG. 10 is illustrated in the region of the control aperture 110′, having a concavity which functions as a valve seat 114′. A sealing element 116′, which in the closing position shown in FIG. 10 bears on the valve seat 114′ and thus closes the control aperture 110′ in a fluid-tight manner, is fastened on the lower side of the tilting armature 108′ that faces the cover element 104′.

A coil installation 120′ for activating the tilting armature 108′ is disposed on a base 118′ of the half shell 102′ that lies opposite the cover element 104′. The coil installation 120′ comprises a magnetically conducting coil core 122′, a magnetic coil 124′ being wound about the latter. The coil installation 120′ is placed on the base 118′ so as to lie outside the valve chamber 106′ such that the coil core 122′ in the longitudinal direction extends so as to be substantially parallel to the base 118′. The coil installation 120′ serves for switching the tilting armature 108′ between the opening position and the closing position.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , the coil installation 120′ comprises a first lateral wall 126′ and a second lateral wall 128′ from a magnetically conducting material. The coil 124′ is wound about a coil carrier 130′ which is situated between the two lateral walls 125′, 128′, wherein the coil core 122′ is routed through the coil carrier 130′. A connector contact 131′ for electrically contacting the coil 124′ is integrated in the coil carrier 130′. Furthermore, a first end 132′ of the coil core 122′ protrudes through an opening in the first lateral wall 125′, and a second and 134′ of the coil core 120′ protrudes through an opening in the second lateral wall 128′. Depending on the embodiment, the two ends 132′, 134′ can be connected to the respective lateral wall in a force-fitting, form-fitting or materially integral manner.

The base 118′ in a region that lies opposite a first armature end 136′ of the tilting armature 108′ has a first slot through which an end portion 138′ of the first lateral wall 125′ that faces the base 118′ is routed. The end portion 138′ that is situated in the valve chamber 106′ thus lies opposite the first armature end 136′. In the closing position, the end portion 138′ is separated from the first armature end 136′ by an air gap. In the manner analogous thereto, an end portion 140′ of the second lateral wall 128′ that faces the base 118′ is routed through a second slot in the base 118′, wherein the second slot is configured in the region of the base 118′ that lies opposite a second armature end 142′ of the tilting armature 108′. The end portion 140′ thus lies opposite the second armature end 142′. The lateral walls 125′, 128′ in the region of the slots are connected to the base 118′ in a fluid tight manner by a suitable joining method, for instance by laser welding or an adhesive bonding.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the sealing element 116′ in the region of the first armature end 136′ is adhesively bonded to the tilting armature 108′. The second armature end 142′ is shaped having a groove which by a spring 144′ anchored to the cover element 104′ is pushed against the end portion 140′. The end portion 140′ is shaped so having a mating contour that corresponds to a contour of the groove, more specifically having a rounded feature on account of which mounting of the tilting armature 108′ so as to be rotatable about the end portion 140′ is enabled. The spring 144′ can furthermore be configured for impinging the rotatably mounted tilting armature 108′ which serves as a valve support with a torque that acts in a direction of the closing position such that the sealing element 116′ in the closing position is pushed against the valve seat 114′. In order for the tilting armature 108′ to be moved to the closing position, a current flowing through the coil installation 120′ is interrupted, for example, such that no magnetic force, or only a minor residual magnetic force, acts on the tilting armature 108′. The tilting armature 108′ herein is pushed into the closing position by the spring 144′. In order for the tilting armature 108′ to be moved to the opening position, the coil installation 120′ can be switched on. On account thereof, a magnetically attracting force acts on the first armature end 136′, this magnetically attractive force being greater than a spring force exerted on the tilting armature 108′ by the spring 144′.

A damper element 146′ which according to this exemplary embodiment is fastened to a portion of the base 118′ that lies opposite the tilting armature 108′ is disposed between the end portions 138′, 140′ that are situated in the valve chamber 106′. The damper element 146′ can be adhesively bonded to the base 118′, for example. The damper element 146′ serves as an elastically deformable detent for the tilting armature 108′. Oscillations of the tilting armature 108′, such as can be initiated by impacts or shocks, for example, or in a rapid movement of the tilting armature 108 to the opening position, can be prevented by the damper element 146. According to an exemplary embodiment described further below, the damper element 146′ can be implemented as a damper cushion, and the sealing element 116′ as a valve cushion from a cost-effective sheet metal cup having a valve rubber vulcanized therein as a sealing or damping material, respectively, wherein the damper cushion and the valve cushion can be of identical construction.

On account of the damper element 146′ and the sealing element 116′ being adhesively bonded, loss angles emanating from individual tolerances can be compensated for; that is to say that a component tolerance can be increased by adhesively bonding the damper element 146′ and the sealing element 116′.

The solenoid valve 100′ having a tilting armature 108′ (tilting armature valve) shown in FIG. 10 offers the advantage of a robust, simple fundamental construction as well as a low tendency toward exciting oscillations in components that are adjacent to the central pressure control module 16, such as in particular the yaw rate sensor 125 which in this instance has a lower tendency toward measuring errors in the yaw rate. Moreover, the tilting armature valve 100′ offers better temperature resistance since the solenoid in the form of the coil installation 120′ can be disposed outside the valve chamber 106′. For example, the tilting armature valve 100′ can be installed in the module housing 92 by a clamping screw fitting 148′ (FIG. 2 ). The clamping screw fitting 148′ can be locked in relation to being released by a dry adhesive. A contact region between the cover element 104′ and the housing in the region of the control aperture 110′ and the passage 112′ can be sealed in a fluid-tight manner by O-rings 150′. As can be seen from FIG. 10 , all pneumatic connectors of the tilting armature valve 100′ are situated on a lower side of the tilting armature valve 100′ that lies opposite the coil installation 120′. This enables a particularly simple installation of the tilting armature valve 100′.

According to the embodiments of FIG. 11 to FIG. 21 , the central pressure control module 16 can include oscillation-decoupling arrangement/apparatus for at least partially decoupling the yaw rate sensor 125 or the acceleration sensor 125 a, respectively, from oscillations or impact sound to which the circuit board 94, or components of the central pressure control module 16 that are connected to the circuit board 94, is/are exposed during operation.

The oscillation-decoupling arrangement may comprise a decoupling portion 152 of a circuit board body 154 of the circuit board 94, the yaw rate sensor 125 being held or disposed on the decoupling portion 152. The decoupling portion 152 of the circuit board body 154 herein is separated from the remainder of the circuit board body 158 of the circuit board body 154, with the exception of at least one circuit board bridge portion 160 which connects the decoupling portion 152 to the remainder of the circuit board body 158, by at least one clearance 156 that partially or completely penetrates the circuit board body 154 of the circuit board 94, as is shown in FIG. 11 , for example.

In this instance, at least one electric connection between the yaw rate sensor 125 and the electric and electronic components on the remainder of the circuit board body 158 is drawn along the circuit board bridge portion 160, the electric connection directing the output signals of the yaw rate sensor 125 to the electric and electronic components in order for the driving dynamics or driving stability control to be carried out.

As is shown in the embodiments as per FIG. 11 to FIG. 21 , such a clearance 156 is composed of at least one slot in the circuit board body 154, the slot at least partially surrounding the decoupling portion 152 with the exception of the at least one circuit board bridge portion 160. Two straight or curved slots which run in parallel herein can in particular be provided as a clearance 156 in the circuit board body 154 (FIG. 11 to FIG. 17 ).

The coordinates X, Y and Z in FIGS. 11 to 21 symbolize degrees of translatory freedom and, as imaginary rotation axes also degrees of the rotary freedom, of the decoupling portion 152 on which the yaw rate sensor 125 is disposed. The slots 156 in this instance permit mounting of the decoupling portion 152 conjointly with the yaw rate sensor 125 so as to be sprung relative to the remainder of the circuit board body 158 in the Y direction, for example, that is to say perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board body 158 (FIG. 11 , FIG. 12 , FIG. 13 , FIG. 14 ) and/or in the X or Z direction (FIG. 15 , FIG. 16 ), that is to say in the plane of the circuit board body 158. Additionally, the slots 156 can also enable a rotatable mounting of the decoupling portion 152 so as to be sprung and oscillation-damped in relation to the remainder of the circuit board body 158, as is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 17 , FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 .

For even better damping of oscillations of the decoupling portion 152 conjointly with the yaw rate sensor 125 in relation to the remainder of the circuit board body 158, at least one slot 156 can also be at least partially filled, or filled at least in portions, with a damping mass 162 (FIG. 21 ).

Additionally or alternatively, the circuit board bridge portion 160 can at least in portions have a smaller thickness than the remainder of the circuit board body 154 and/or the decoupling portion 152, for example in that the circuit board bridge portion 160, when viewed perpendicularly to the plane of the circuit board body 154, is provided with a transverse groove 164 (FIG. 12 ), or in that the circuit board bridge portion 160, when viewed in the plane of the circuit board body 154, is provided with at least one lateral notch that weakens the cross section (FIG. 13 ).

More than only one circuit board bridge portion 160, for example two circuit board bridge portions 160, can also be provided (FIG. 18 , FIG. 19 , FIG. 20 ) by way of which the decoupling portion 152 conjointly with the yaw rate sensor 125 in this instance is resiliently held on the remainder of the circuit board body 158.

A desired rotary or translatory resilience of the decoupling portion 152 conjointly with the yaw rate sensor 125 in relation to the remainder of the circuit board body 154 can be achieved in this instance by a selective or suitable disposal and configuration of the at least one circuit board bridge portion 160 and the at least one clearance 156, this resulting in decoupling the oscillations of the yaw rate sensor 125 from the remainder of the circuit board body 154 and thus also from oscillation-exciting parts and components such as, for instance, solenoid valves of the central pressure module 16 that can excite the circuit board 94 in terms of oscillations.

According to a further embodiment of the central pressure control module 105″ of FIG. 22 , an electric contacting device 115″ for resiliently electrically contacting the circuit board 120″ by way of a solenoid valve 110″ of the first or the second electro-magnetic valve installation 68, 70 can be provided. This electric contacting device 115″ comprises, for example, a spring element 130″ which extends from the circuit board 120″ up to the solenoid valve 110″ and by way of which the circuit board 120″, on the one hand, and the solenoid valve 110″, on the other hand, are mutually mounted so as to be sprung in at least one degree of freedom of movement and at the same time are connected to one another in an electrically conducting manner. This sprung mounting is resilient and therefore ensures that oscillations are decoupled between the circuit board 120″, on the one hand, and the solenoid valve 110″, on the other hand.

The transmission of oscillations from the solenoid valve 110″, which causes oscillations on account of its operation, to the circuit board 120″ is thus minimized or prevented, respectively, by the spring element 130″. For example, a yaw rate sensor 125 and/or an acceleration sensor 125 a are/is disposed directly, as in FIG. 2 , or indirectly on the circuit board 120″, and in this instance exposed to oscillations which are caused by the solenoid valve 110″ and attenuated because of the sprung connection between the circuit board 120″ and the solenoid valve 110″ such that the sensor(s) 125, 125 a can deliver better measured results to the electric and electronic components on the circuit board 120″, for example in order to carry out a driving dynamics or driving stability control.

The degree of freedom of movement enabled by the spring element 130″ can in principle include a translatory and/order a rotary degree of freedom of movement.

The spring element 130″ in the example of FIG. 22 is in an exemplary manner formed by a coil spring which is mounted so as to be clamped between the circuit board 120″, on the one hand, and the solenoid valve 110″, on the other hand. Such a clamped mounting of the coil spring 130″ can be implemented in that, for example, the circuit board 120″ is secured on a face of the housing part 102 (FIG. 2 ), configured as a cover of the central pressure control module 105″, that points into the interior of the pressure control module 105″, and the coil spring 130″ which is centered on the circuit board 120″ is compressed between the circuit board 120″ and the solenoid valve 110″ when the cover is placed on top, for example.

More specifically, FIG. 22 shows a schematic illustration of the vehicle 100″ having the central pressure control module 105″ having a solenoid valve 110″ and having a contacting device 115″ for resiliently electrically contacting the circuit board 120″ by way of the solenoid valve 110″. The circuit board 120″, the yaw rate sensor 125, the acceleration sensor 125 a, the solenoid valve 110″ and the electric contacting device 115″ are therefore parts of the central pressure control module 105″.

The electric contacting device 115″ has the spring element 130″ and a circuit board fastening element 135″. The spring element 130″ in an exemplary manner here as a coil spring is helical and clamped between the circuit board 120″ and a contact element 125″ of the solenoid valve 110″.

A circuit board fastening element 135″ has a fastening surface 114″ and a centering surface 145″ which lies opposite the fastening surface 140″, wherein the fastening surface 140″ is fastened to the circuit board 120″, and at least one portion of the centering surface 145″ in an operative state of the contacting device 115″ is disposed so as to protrude into an interior space portion of an interior space of the spring element 130″ in order to guide and/or centre the spring element 130″.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the centering surface 145″ has an elevation or convexity which in the operative state protrudes into the interior space portion. According to this exemplary embodiment, the elevation or convexity of the circuit board fastening element 135″ longitudinal extends across a longitudinal portion of a primary length of the interior space, wherein the longitudinal portion within a tolerance range from 1 to 20% deviation is 1/7^(th) of the length of the primary length. The primary length according to this exemplary embodiment corresponds to a spacing between the circuit board 120″ and the contact element 125″. According to this exemplary embodiment, a central axis or a longitudinal axis of the spring element 130″ extends so as to be perpendicular to a primary surface of the circuit board 130″ and a primary surface of the contact element 125″.

A first spring portion of the spring element 130″ has according to this exemplary embodiment a first radius, and a second spring portion of the spring element 130″ has a second radius, wherein the first radius is larger than the second radius. The second spring portion according to this exemplary embodiment is disposed so as to face the contact element 125″, and the first spring portion so as to face the circuit board 120″. In the operative state of the contacting device 115″ shown here, the circuit board fastening element 135″ is disposed as a detent for a spring end of the spring element 130″.

The contact element 125″ according to this exemplary embodiment is shaped as a magnet and/or a coil wire and/or a magnet housing of the solenoid valve 110″. According to this exemplary embodiment, the circuit board fastening element 135″ is fastened to the circuit board 120″ in a materially integral manner, for example. The spring element 130″ according to this exemplary embodiment is fastened to the contact element 125″. According to this exemplary embodiment, the spring end is shaped as a free end of the first spring portion and is contacted by an encircling circumferential peripheral portion of the centering surface 145″ of the circuit board fastening element 135″. A further spring end that lies opposite the spring end is according to this exemplary embodiment shaped as a free end of the second spring portion and fastened to the contact element 125″. According to this exemplary embodiment, the further spring end is soldered to a coil wire of the contact element 125″.

Exemplary embodiments of the contacting device 115″ proposed here will be described once more in other words hereunder.

The contacting device 115″ is configured so as to enable electric contacting of a solenoid valve 110″ by way of a circuit board 120″ on which an inertial sensor, in particular in the form of a yaw rate sensor 125 and/or an acceleration sensor 125 a is disposed, for example.

The, for example helical, spring element 130 which can also be referred to as a coil spring, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 22 , is pushed against the circuit board fastening element 135″ in the form of a conical hat. When assembling the contacting device 115″ in the operative state shown here, the coil spring 130″ is advantageously automatically centered thanks to the hat. A compensation of tolerances also takes place on account thereof. The spring element 130″ in the operative state advantageously does not transmit any or hardly any impact sound and/or vibrations from the solenoid valve 110″ to the circuit board 120″. The spring element 130″ is advantageously fixed or at least centered and cannot travel in a lateral manner. No wear, or only minor wear, is thus created on or at the circuit board 120″ and/or at the spring element 130″. Even movements or micro movements of the components in relation to one another lead to hardly any wear. Moreover, no through contacts through the circuit board 120″ in which intermediate layers would be penetrated are required thanks to the circuit board fastening element 135″. According to this exemplary embodiment a conductor path 150″ is disposed or impressed between the fastening surface 140″ and the circuit board 120″. According to this exemplary embodiment, the circuit board fastening element 135″ comprises a metallic material and/or is soldered to the circuit board 150″. According to one exemplary embodiment, the circuit board fastening element 135″ is disposed so as to be soldered to the circuit board 120″ by a soft-flow method such as reflow soldering.

The central pressure control module 105″ of FIG. 22 is otherwise constructed like the previously described pressure control module 16, for example according to FIG. 2 or FIG. 4 .

The List of reference signs is as follows:

-   1 Service brake installation -   2 Foot brake valve -   4 First reservoir pressure vessel -   5 Ventilation -   6 Second reservoir pressure vessel -   7 Ventilation -   8 Air treatment module -   9 First pressure control channel -   10 Supply line -   11 Second pressure control channel -   12 Supply line -   13 Third reservoir pressure vessel -   14 Second reservoir connector -   16 Central pressure control module -   17 Output stages -   18 First channel -   20 Supply line -   22 Supply line -   24 First reservoir connector -   26 Second channel -   28 Electric channel -   30 Data bus -   32 Control line -   34 Control line -   36 Backup connector -   38 Backup connector -   40 Brake line -   42 Brake line -   44 First operating connector -   46 Second operating connector -   48 First service brake cylinders -   50 Second service brake cylinders -   52 ABS pressure control valve -   54 Electric control line -   56 Rotating speed sensors -   58 Electric signal lines -   60 Wear sensors -   62 Electric signal lines -   64 Trailer control module -   66 Central electronic brake control apparatus -   68 First electromagnetic valve installation -   70 Second electromagnetic valve installation -   72 Inlet valve -   74 Inlet valve -   76 Outlet valve -   78 Outlet valve -   80 Backup valve -   82 Backup valve -   84 Relay valve -   86 Relay valve -   88 Pressure sensor -   90 Pressure sensor -   92 Module housing -   94 Circuit board -   96 First, second and third communications ports -   98 Plug contacts -   100 Plug contacts -   100′ Tilting armature valve -   100″ Vehicle -   102 Housing part -   102′ Half shell -   104 Plug contacts -   105″ Central pressure control module -   106 Plug contacts -   106′ Valve chamber -   108 Pressure channel -   108′ Tilting armature -   100″ Vehicle -   110 Pressure channel -   110′ Control aperture -   110″ Solenoid valve -   112 Housing part -   112′ Passage -   114 Chassis -   114′ Valve seat -   115″ Contacting device -   116 First axle -   116′ Sealing element -   116 a Second front axle -   118 Second axle -   118′ Base -   120 Further axle -   120′ Coil installation -   120″ Circuit board -   120 a Third rear axle -   122 Further pressure control module -   122 a Further pressure control module -   122′ Coil core -   124 Control line -   124′ Coil -   125 Yaw rate sensor -   125 a Acceleration sensor -   125″ Contact element -   126′ First lateral wall -   128 Circuit separator -   128′ Second lateral wall -   130′ Coil carrier -   130″ Spring element -   131′ Connector contact -   132′ First end -   135″ Circuit board fastening element -   134′ Second end -   136′ First armature end -   138′ End portion -   140′ End portion -   140″ Fastening surface -   142′ Second armature end -   145″ Centering surface -   146′ Damper element -   148′ Clamping screw fitting -   150′ O-ring -   150″ Conductor path -   152 Decoupling portion -   154 Circuit board body -   156 Clearance/slot -   158 Remainder of circuit board body -   160 Circuit board bridge portion -   162 Damping mass -   164 Transverse groove -   166 Notch 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electro-pneumatic pressure control module having at least 1-channel, comprising: a functional unit, for an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle, having at least one first pressure control channel which is electrically controllable in terms of a first service brake pressure; wherein: a) for the first pressure control channel, the first service brake pressure for at least one service brake cylinder of the service brake installation is generated based on an operating air emanating from at least one compressed-air reservoir as a function of an electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot brake valve; and wherein b) the first pressure control channel generates the first service brake pressure in the at least one service brake cylinder on at least one first axle; and wherein c) the pressure control module has at least the following: at least one reservoir connector for connecting the at least one compressed-air reservoir; at least one first operating connector of the first pressure control channel for connecting the at least one first service brake cylinder on the at least one first axle; at least one first electric communications port for feeding at least one signal which represents a first service brake nominal pressure for the first pressure control channel and which is formed based on an electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot brake valve of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation; and at least one first ventilation of the first pressure control channel; as well as at least one first voltage supply connector for supplying the pressure control module with an electric voltage; and wherein d) in the pressure control module d1) an electronic control apparatus is integrated, the electronic control apparatus being configured such that the electronic control apparatus, as a function of the signal which is present at the first electric communications port and represents the first service brake nominal pressure for the first pressure control channel, generates a first electric control signal, corresponding to the first nominal service brake pressure, for a first electro-magnetic valve installation of the first pressure control channel; and d2) the first electro-magnetic valve installation is integrated, the first electro-magnetic valve installation, as a function of the first electric control signal from the reservoir pressure of the at least one compressed-air reservoir, modulating a first actual service brake pressure at the first operating connector of the first pressure control channel; and d3) at least one first pressure sensor is integrated, the first pressure sensor for a comparison with the first nominal service brake pressure feeding into the electronic control apparatus a first pressure measurement signal which represents the measured first actual service brake pressure into the electronic control apparatus, wherein the electronic control apparatus is furthermore configured such that the electronic control apparatus for the first pressure control channel performs a reconciliation between the first actual service brake pressure and the first nominal service brake pressure and, as a function of this reconciliation, actuates the first electro-magnetic valve installation so that the first nominal service brake pressure is present at the first operating connector; wherein e) the electronic control apparatus has a circuit board which supports electric and electronic components, wherein routines at least for the service brake pressure control at least for the first pressure control channel are implemented in the electric and electronic components; wherein f) at least one inertial sensor is disposed on or at the at least one circuit board and is connected in an electrically conducting manner to at least some of the electric and electronic components on the circuit board such that the output signals of the at least one inertial sensor are able to be fed into the at least some electric and electronic components; wherein g) the pressure control module includes oscillation-decoupling means for at least partially decoupling the at least one inertial sensor from oscillations or impact sound to which the circuit board or components of the pressure control module is/are exposed during operation, and the oscillation-decoupling means includes a decoupling portion of a circuit board body of the circuit board on which the at least one initial sensor is held or disposed, wherein the decoupling portion by means of at least one clearance that partially or completely penetrates the circuit board body of the circuit board is separated from a remainder of the circuit board body of the circuit board with the exception of at least one circuit board bridge portion which connects, in particular in the manner of a bridge, the decoupling portion to the remainder of the circuit board body, wherein at least one electric connection between the at least one inertial sensor and the electric and electronic components on the remainder of the circuit board body is routed along the circuit board bridge portion, the electric connection directing the output signals of the at least one inertial sensor to the electric and electronic components.
 2. The pressure control module of claim 1, wherein the clearance includes at least one slot in the circuit board body, the slot at least partially surrounding the decoupling portion with the exception of the at least one circuit board bridge portion.
 3. The pressure control module of claim 1, wherein the at least one clearance is at least partially filled with a damping mass.
 4. The pressure control module of claim 1, wherein the circuit board bridge portion at least in portions has a smaller thickness than the remainder of the circuit board body and/or the decoupling portion.
 5. An electro-pneumatic pressure control module having at least 1-channel, comprising: a functional unit, for an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle, having at least one first pressure control channel which is electrically controllable in terms of a first service brake pressure; wherein: a) for the first pressure control channel, the first controlled service brake pressure for at least one service brake cylinder of the service brake installation is generated based on an operating air emanating from at least one compressed-air reservoir as a function of an electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot brake valve; and wherein b) the first pressure control channel generates the first service brake pressure in the at least one service brake cylinder on at least one first axle; and wherein c) the pressure control module has at least the following: at least one reservoir connector for connecting the at least one compressed-air reservoir; at least one first operating connector of the first pressure control channel for connecting the at least one first service brake cylinder on the at least one first axle; at least one first electric communications port for feeding at least one signal which represents a first service brake nominal pressure for the first pressure control channel and which is formed based on an electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot brake valve of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation; and at least one first ventilation of the first pressure control channel; as well as at least one first voltage supply connector for supplying the pressure control module with an electric voltage; and wherein d) in the pressure control module d1) an electronic control apparatus is integrated, the electronic control apparatus being configured such that the electronic control apparatus, as a function of the signal which is present at the first electric communications port and represents the first service brake nominal pressure for the first pressure control channel, generates a first electric control signal, corresponding to the first nominal service brake pressure, for a first electro-magnetic valve installation of the first pressure control channel; and d2) the first electro-magnetic valve installation is integrated, the first electro-magnetic valve installation, as a function of the first electric control signal from the reservoir pressure of the at least one compressed-air reservoir, modulating a first actual service brake pressure at the first operating connector of the first pressure control channel; and d3) at least one first pressure sensor is integrated, the first pressure sensor for a comparison with the first nominal service brake pressure feeding into the electronic control apparatus a first pressure measurement signal which represents the measured first actual service brake pressure into the electronic control apparatus, wherein the electronic control apparatus is furthermore configured such that the electronic control apparatus for the first pressure control channel performs a reconciliation between the first actual service brake pressure and the first nominal service brake pressure and, as a function of this reconciliation, actuates the first electro-magnetic valve installation so that the first nominal service brake pressure is present at the first operating connector; wherein e) the electronic control apparatus has a circuit board which supports electric and electronic components, wherein routines at least for the service brake pressure control at least for the first pressure control channel are implemented in the electric and electronic components; wherein f) at least one inertial sensor is disposed on or at the at least one circuit board and is connected in an electrically conducting manner to at least some of the electric and electronic components on the circuit board such that the output signals of the at least one inertial sensor are able to be fed into the at least some electric and electronic components; wherein g) an electric contacting device for resiliently electrically contacting the circuit board, by way of at least one solenoid valve of at least the first electro-magnetic valve installation, is provided, the electrical contacting device including at least a spring element which extends from the circuit board up to the at least one solenoid valve and by way of which the circuit board and the at least one solenoid valve are mounted so as to be mutually resilient in at least one degree of freedom of movement, and the circuit board and the at least one solenoid valve are connected to one another in an electrically conducting manner.
 6. The pressure control module of claim 5, wherein the at least one degree of freedom of movement includes a translatory and/or a rotary degree of freedom of movement.
 7. The pressure control module of claim 5, wherein the at least one spring element includes a coil spring which is mounted to as to be clamped between the circuit board and the at least one solenoid valve.
 8. The pressure control module of claim 5, wherein the at least one circuit board is secured on a face of a cover of the pressure control module that points into the interior of the pressure control module and, when placing the cover onto a module housing of the pressure control module, the at least one spring element is pretensioned between the circuit board and the at least one solenoid valve.
 9. The pressure control module of claim 5, wherein the at least one spring element is centered on the circuit board and/or on the at least one solenoid valve.
 10. An electro-pneumatic pressure control module having at least 1-channel, comprising: a functional unit, for an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle, having at least one first pressure control channel which is able to be electrically controlled in terms of a first service brake pressure: wherein: a) for the first pressure control channel, the first service brake pressure for at least one service brake cylinder of the service brake installation is generated based on an operating air emanating from at least one compressed-air reservoir as a function of an electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot brake valve; and wherein b) the first pressure control channel generates the first controlled service brake pressure in the at least one service brake cylinder on at least one first axle; and wherein c) the pressure control module has at least the following: at least one reservoir connector for connecting the at least one compressed-air reservoir; at least one first operating connector of the first pressure control channel for connecting the at least one first service brake cylinder on the at least one first axle; at least one first electric communications port for feeding at least one signal which represents a first service brake nominal pressure for the first pressure control channel and which is formed based on an electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot brake valve of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation; and at least one first ventilation of the first pressure control channel; as well as at least one first voltage supply connector for supplying the pressure control module with an electric voltage; and wherein d) in the pressure control module d1) an electronic control apparatus is integrated, the electronic control apparatus being configured such that the electronic control apparatus, as a function of the signal which is present at the first electric communications port and represents the first service brake nominal pressure for the first pressure control channel, generates a first electric control signal, corresponding to the first nominal service brake pressure, for a first electro-magnetic valve installation of the first pressure control channel; and d2) the first electro-magnetic valve installation is integrated, the first electro-magnetic valve installation, as a function of the first electric control signal from the reservoir pressure of the at least one compressed-air reservoir, modulating a first actual service brake pressure at the first operating connector of the first pressure control channel; and d3) at least one first pressure sensor is integrated, the first pressure sensor for a comparison with the first nominal service brake pressure feeding into the electronic control apparatus a first pressure measurement signal which represents the measured first actual service brake pressure into the electronic control apparatus, wherein the electronic control apparatus is furthermore configured such that the electronic control apparatus for the first pressure control channel performs a reconciliation between the first actual service brake pressure and the first nominal service brake pressure and, as a function of this reconciliation, actuates the first electro-magnetic valve installation so that the first nominal service brake pressure is present at the first operating connector; wherein e) the electronic control apparatus has a circuit board which supports electric and electronic components, wherein routines at least for the service brake pressure control at least for the first pressure control channel are implemented in the electric and electronic components; wherein f) at least one inertial sensor is disposed on or at the at least one circuit board and is connected in an electrically conducting manner to at least some of the electric and electronic components on the circuit board such that the output signals of the at least one inertial sensor are able to be fed into the at least some electric and electronic components; wherein g) at least one solenoid valve of the first electro-magnetic valve installation is formed by a tilting armature valve having a pivotably configured tilting armature.
 11. The pressure control module of claim 10, wherein the tilting armature valve includes at least the following: a) a half shell; b) a cover element which covers the half shell in a fluid-tight manner so as to form a valve chamber, wherein the cover element has at least one control aperture and a passage for directing a fluid through the valve chamber; c) a magnetically conducting tilting armature having at least one sealing element, wherein the tilting armature in the valve chamber is mounted so as to be movable between an opening position and a closing position, wherein the sealing element in the closing position closes the control aperture in a fluid-tight manner and in the opening position releases the latter; and d) a coil installation which is disposed on a base of the half shell that is outside the valve chamber and opposite the cover element and is configured so as to move the tilting armature between the opening position and the closing position; wherein e) the coil installation has a magnetically conducting coil core and at least one coil that is wound about the coil core; wherein the coil core in the longitudinal direction is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the base.
 12. The pressure control module of claim 11, wherein at least one damper element which is disposed on a side of the tilting armature that faces the base or on a side of the base that faces the tiling armature so as to attenuate a mechanical oscillation, in particular a vibration and/or a shock and/or an impact, of the tilting armature when the tilting armature moves to the opening position thereof, in particular wherein the damper element is fastened to the tilting armature or to the base while using an adhesive material.
 13. The pressure control module of claim 10, wherein the pressure control module is formed by an at least 2-channel electro-pneumatic central pressure control module, embodied in a functional unit, for the electro-pneumatic service brake installation of the vehicle, having at least two pressure control channels which are able to be electrically controlled in terms of a brake pressure and of which one electrically controllable pressure control channel is the first pressure control channel, and of which a further electrically controllable pressure control channel is a second electrically controllable pressure control channel, wherein a) for the electrically controllable pressure control channels, a controlled service brake pressure for the at least one service brake cylinder of the service brake installation is in each case generated based on the operating air emanating from the at least one compressed-air reservoir as a function of the electric brake request signal of the electric channel of the foot brake valve; and wherein b) the second pressure control channel generates a second controlled service brake pressure in service brake cylinders on at least one second axle; and wherein c) the pressure control module has at least the following: at least the first electric communications port for feeding at least one signal which represents a second service brake nominal pressure for the second pressure control channel and which is formed based on the electric brake request signal of the electric channel of the foot brake valve of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation; at least a second operating connector of the second pressure control channel for connecting at least one service brake cylinder of the at least one second axle; a second ventilation for the second pressure control channel; and wherein d) in the pressure control module d1) the electronic control apparatus is integrated, the electronic control apparatus as a central electronic brake control apparatus of the service brake installation being configured so that the electronic control apparatus, as a function of the signal which is present at the first electric communications port, for the second pressure control channel generates a second electric control signal, corresponding to a second nominal service brake pressure, for a second electro-magnetic valve installation of the second pressure control channel that is independent of the first electromagnetic valve installation; and d2) the second electro-magnetic valve installation is integrated, the second electro-magnetic valve installation, as a function of the second electric control signal from the reservoir pressure of the at least one compressed-air reservoir, modulating a second actual service brake pressure for the second operating connector of the second pressure control channel; and d3) at least one second pressure sensor is integrated, wherein the second pressure sensor for a comparison with the second nominal service brake pressure feeds a second pressure measurement signal which represents the measured second actual service brake pressure into the electronic control apparatus, wherein the electronic control apparatus in this instance is furthermore configured such that the electronic control apparatus for the second pressure control channel performs a reconciliation between the second actual service brake pressure and the second nominal service brake pressure and, as a function of this reconciliation, actuates the second electro-magnetic valve installation so that the second nominal service brake pressure is present at the second operating connector; wherein e) the electronic control apparatus is furthermore configured such that the electronic control apparatus, as a function of output signals of the at least one inertial sensor feeds actuating signals into the first electro-magnetic valve installation and/or into the second electro-magnetic valve installation so as to carry out braking corresponding to a driving dynamics or driving stability control system by at least one service brake cylinder; and wherein e) the electronic control apparatus has the circuit board which supports electric and electronic components, wherein routines at least for controlling the brake pressure within the first and the second pressure control channel and for the driving dynamics or driving stability control system are implemented in the electric and electronic components; wherein f) the output signals of the at least one inertial sensor are able to be fed into the at least some electric and electronic components in order to carry out the driving dynamics or driving stability control.
 14. The pressure control module of claim 13, wherein the electric contacting device is for resiliently and electrically contacting of the circuit board by at least one magnetic valve of the second electro-magnetic valve installation.
 15. The pressure control module of claim 13, wherein at least one magnetic valve of the second electro-magnetic valve installation is formed by a tilting armature valve having a pivotably configured tilting armature.
 16. The pressure control module of claim 13, wherein, for configuring pressure control channels having separate pneumatic circuits, a dedicated first reservoir pressure connector is provided for the first pressure control channel and a dedicated second reservoir pressure connector which is separate in terms of the first reservoir pressure connector is provided for the second pressure control channel, wherein at least one first compressed-air reservoir is able to be connected to the first reservoir pressure connector, and at least one second compressed-air reservoir which is separate in terms of the first compressed-air reservoir is able to be connected to the second reservoir pressure connector, wherein the pneumatic flow paths of the first pressure control channel, proceeding from the first reservoir pressure connector up to the first operating connector are configured so as to be pneumatically separate from the pneumatic flow paths of the second pressure control channel, proceeding from the second reservoir pressure connector up to the second operating connector.
 17. The pressure control module of claim 16, wherein a first backup connector of a first pneumatic backup circuit, and a second backup connector of a second pneumatic backup circuit, are provided, wherein a first backup pressure which is emitted by the first compressed-air reservoir and supplied by a first pneumatic channel of the foot brake valve is able to be fed into the first backup connector, and a second backup pressure which is emitted by the second compressed-air reservoir and is supplied by a second pneumatic channel of the foot brake valve, is able to be fed into the second backup connector, wherein the brake pressures at the operating connectors are formed with the first backup circuit and the second backup circuit in the event of a failure or a malfunction of the electric pressure control channels that are able to be controlled as separate circuits.
 18. The pressure control module of claim 17, wherein a first pneumatic backup flow path of the first backup circuit, proceeding from the first backup connector up to the first operating connector, is configured so as to be pneumatically separate in terms of a second pneumatic backup flow path of the second backup circuit, proceeding from the second backup connector up to the second operating connector.
 19. The pressure control module of claim 18, wherein a first electro-pneumatic backup valve of the first electro-magnetic valve installation is disposed in the first pneumatic backup flow path, and a second electro-pneumatic backup valve of the second electro-magnetic valve installation is disposed in the second pneumatic backup flow path, wherein the electro-pneumatic backup valves are configured and actuated by the central electronic brake control apparatus such that the backup valves block the first and the second backup flow path in the case of intact electric pressure control channels, and activate the first and the second backup flow path in the event of an error or of a malfunction of the electric pressure control channels.
 20. The pressure control module of claim 13, wherein the driving dynamics or driving stability control system includes at least one of the following controls: a driving stability control system (ESP); an anti-wheel lock control system (ABS); a traction control system (TCS); a rollover stability system (RPS); a control system for at least partially autonomous driving.
 21. The pressure control module of claim 13, wherein the pressure control module has at least one second electric voltage supply connector for supplying an electric voltage to at least one further pressure control module and at least one second communications port for communicating with the at least one further pressure control module, wherein a) the at least one further pressure control module controls in a self-acting manner the brake pressure in connected service brake cylinders of at least one further axle, and wherein b) the central electronic brake control apparatus of the service brake installation, as a function of the electric brake request signals which are present at the first communications port feeds into the second communications port at least one third electric control signal, corresponding to a nominal brake pressure for the at least one further axle for the at least one further pressure control module so that the further pressure control module adjusts the brake pressure in at least one service brake cylinder connected thereto.
 22. The pressure control module of claim 13, wherein the pressure control module has at least one third electric voltage supply connector for supplying a voltage to at least one trailer control module, and at least one third communications port for communicating with the trailer control module, wherein a) the trailer control module with the integrated electronic trailer brake control electronics controls the brake pressure in service brake cylinders of a trailer, and wherein b) the central electronic brake control apparatus of the service brake installation, as a function of the electric brake request signals which are present at the first electric communications port, feeds into the third communications port a fourth electric control signal, corresponding to a nominal brake pressure, for the trailer control module so as to control the brake pressure in service brake cylinders of the trailer that are connected to the trailer control module.
 23. The pressure control module of claim 13, wherein the pressure control module has at least one control connector for solenoid valves of a trailer control module, and at least one sensor connector for at least one pressure sensor of the trailer control module, wherein the central electronic brake control apparatus feeds a fourth electric control signal into the control connector for the solenoid valves of the trailer control module so as to control the brake pressure in service brake cylinders of a trailer.
 24. The pressure control module of claim 13, wherein the pressure control module has output stages for ABS pressure control valves that are provided for being disposed between the first operating connector of the first axle and the service brake cylinders of the first axle, and between the second operating connector of the second axle and the service brake cylinders of the second axle, wherein routines are implemented in the electronic control apparatus, by way of which routines control signals for the ABS pressure control valves are emitted and by way of which, based on the service brake pressures which are controlled in an axle-wise manner in the pressure control channels of the first axle and of the second axle, service brake pressures which are individual for each wheel on the first axle and on the second axle are in each case generated with the the ABS pressure control valves, in particular for carrying out the driving dynamics control.
 25. The pressure control module of claim 13, wherein the first electro-magnetic valve installation and the second electro-magnetic valve installation have in each case one relay valve installation which is pneumatically controlled by an electro-magnetic inlet/outlet valve combination, wherein the relay valve installations on the output side are controlled by way of the first and second operating connectors, and the electro-magnetic inlet/outlet valve combinations are controlled by the electronic control apparatus.
 26. The pressure control module of claim 10, wherein the inertial sensor includes at least one of the following sensors: an acceleration sensor which measures the acceleration in one axis, in two, or in three axes, and/or a yaw rate sensor.
 27. The pressure control module of claim 10, wherein the pressure control module has at least one vehicle data bus port for connecting to a vehicle data bus.
 28. The pressure control module of claim 10, wherein the pressure control module has inputs for wheel rotating speed sensors of the wheels of the vehicle, and/or for brake wear sensors.
 29. An electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle, comprising: at least an electrically controllable pressure control channel; and at least one pressure control module electro-pneumatic pressure control module having at least 1-channel, including: a functional unit, for an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle, having at least one first pressure control channel which is electrically controllable in terms of a first service brake pressure; wherein: c) for the first pressure control channel, the first service brake pressure for at least one service brake cylinder of the service brake installation is generated based on an operating air emanating from at least one compressed-air reservoir as a function of an electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot brake valve; and wherein d) the first pressure control channel generates the first service brake pressure in the at least one service brake cylinder on at least one first axle; and wherein e) the pressure control module has at least the following: at least one reservoir connector for connecting the at least one compressed-air reservoir; at least one first operating connector of the first pressure control channel for connecting the at least one first service brake cylinder on the at least one first axle; at least one first electric communications port for feeding at least one signal which represents a first service brake nominal pressure for the first pressure control channel and which is formed based on an electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot brake valve of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation; and at least one first ventilation of the first pressure control channel; as well as at least one first voltage supply connector for supplying the pressure control module with an electric voltage; and wherein f) in the pressure control module d1) an electronic control apparatus is integrated, the electronic control apparatus being configured such that the electronic control apparatus, as a function of the signal which is present at the first electric communications port and represents the first service brake nominal pressure for the first pressure control channel, generates a first electric control signal, corresponding to the first nominal service brake pressure, for a first electro-magnetic valve installation of the first pressure control channel; and d2) the first electro-magnetic valve installation is integrated, the first electro-magnetic valve installation, as a function of the first electric control signal from the reservoir pressure of the at least one compressed-air reservoir, modulating a first actual service brake pressure at the first operating connector of the first pressure control channel; and d3) at least one first pressure sensor is integrated, the first pressure sensor for a comparison with the first nominal service brake pressure feeding into the electronic control apparatus a first pressure measurement signal which represents the measured first actual service brake pressure into the electronic control apparatus, wherein the electronic control apparatus is furthermore configured such that the electronic control apparatus for the first pressure control channel performs a reconciliation between the first actual service brake pressure and the first nominal service brake pressure and, as a function of this reconciliation, actuates the first electro-magnetic valve installation so that the first nominal service brake pressure is present at the first operating connector; wherein g) the electronic control apparatus has a circuit board which supports electric and electronic components, wherein routines at least for the service brake pressure control at least for the first pressure control channel are implemented in the electric and electronic components; wherein h) at least one inertial sensor is disposed on or at the at least one circuit board and is connected in an electrically conducting manner to at least some of the electric and electronic components on the circuit board such that the output signals of the at least one inertial sensor are able to be fed into the at least some electric and electronic components; wherein i) the pressure control module includes oscillation-decoupling means for at least partially decoupling the at least one inertial sensor from oscillations or impact sound to which the circuit board or components of the pressure control module is/are exposed during operation, and the oscillation-decoupling means includes a decoupling portion of a circuit board body of the circuit board on which the at least one initial sensor is held or disposed, wherein the decoupling portion by means of at least one clearance that partially or completely penetrates the circuit board body of the circuit board is separated from a remainder of the circuit board body of the circuit board with the exception of at least one circuit board bridge portion which connects, in particular in the manner of a bridge, the decoupling portion to the remainder of the circuit board body, wherein at least one electric connection between the at least one inertial sensor and the electric and electronic components on the remainder of the circuit board body is routed along the circuit board bridge portion, the electric connection directing the output signals of the at least one inertial sensor to the electric and electronic components.
 30. The service brake installation of claim 29, wherein the electric channel of the foot brake valve or another pressure control module is connected to the at least one first communications port of the pressure control module.
 31. The service brake installation of claim 29, wherein a control apparatus of a system for at least partially autonomous driving is connected to the at least one first communications port of the pressure control module, the control apparatus by way of the at least one first communications port feeding brake request signals into the pressure control module.
 32. The service brake installation of claim 29, wherein at least one further pressure control module is connected to a second communications port of the pressure control module, wherein the at least one further pressure control module is one of the following pressure control modules: a 1-channel pressure control module which adjusts the same brake pressure on wheels on different sides of at least one axle; a 2-channel pressure control module which on wheels on different sides of at least one axle adjusts an individual brake pressure on each side.
 33. The service brake installation of claim 32, wherein the at least one further pressure control module controls in a self-acting manner the brake pressure in connected service brake cylinders of at least one further axle, wherein the electronic control apparatus, as a function of the signal present at the first communications port, feeds into the second communications port at least one third electric control signal, corresponding to the nominal brake pressure for the at least one further axle, for the at least one further pressure control module so that the further pressure control module adjusts the brake pressure in the connected service brake cylinders.
 34. The service brake installation of claim 29, wherein a trailer control module which with the electronic integrated trailer control electronics controls the brake pressure in service brake cylinders of a trailer is connected to a third communications port of the pressure control module.
 35. The service brake installation of claim 29, wherein at least one first compressed-air reservoir is connected to the first reservoir pressure connector of the pressure control module, and at least one second compressed-air reservoir, which is separate in terms of the first compressed-air reservoir, is connected to the second reservoir pressure connector of the pressure control module.
 36. A vehicle, comprising: an electro-pneumatic service brake installation, including: at least an electrically controllable pressure control channel; and at least one pressure control module electro-pneumatic pressure control module having at least 1-channel, including: a functional unit, for an electro-pneumatic service brake installation of a vehicle, having at least one first pressure control channel which is electrically controllable in terms of a first service brake pressure; wherein: j) for the first pressure control channel, the first service brake pressure for at least one service brake cylinder of the service brake installation is generated based on an operating air emanating from at least one compressed-air reservoir as a function of an electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot brake valve; and wherein k) the first pressure control channel generates the first service brake pressure in the at least one service brake cylinder on at least one first axle; and wherein l) the pressure control module has at least the following: at least one reservoir connector for connecting the at least one compressed-air reservoir; at least one first operating connector of the first pressure control channel for connecting the at least one first service brake cylinder on the at least one first axle; at least one first electric communications port for feeding at least one signal which represents a first service brake nominal pressure for the first pressure control channel and which is formed based on an electric brake request signal of an electric channel of a foot brake valve of the electro-pneumatic service brake installation; and at least one first ventilation of the first pressure control channel; as well as at least one first voltage supply connector for supplying the pressure control module with an electric voltage; and wherein m) in the pressure control module d1) an electronic control apparatus is integrated, the electronic control apparatus being configured such that the electronic control apparatus, as a function of the signal which is present at the first electric communications port and represents the first service brake nominal pressure for the first pressure control channel, generates a first electric control signal, corresponding to the first nominal service brake pressure, for a first electro-magnetic valve installation of the first pressure control channel; and d2) the first electro-magnetic valve installation is integrated, the first electro-magnetic valve installation, as a function of the first electric control signal from the reservoir pressure of the at least one compressed-air reservoir, modulating a first actual service brake pressure at the first operating connector of the first pressure control channel; and d3) at least one first pressure sensor is integrated, the first pressure sensor for a comparison with the first nominal service brake pressure feeding into the electronic control apparatus a first pressure measurement signal which represents the measured first actual service brake pressure into the electronic control apparatus, wherein the electronic control apparatus is furthermore configured such that the electronic control apparatus for the first pressure control channel performs a reconciliation between the first actual service brake pressure and the first nominal service brake pressure and, as a function of this reconciliation, actuates the first electro-magnetic valve installation so that the first nominal service brake pressure is present at the first operating connector; wherein n) the electronic control apparatus has a circuit board which supports electric and electronic components, wherein routines at least for the service brake pressure control at least for the first pressure control channel are implemented in the electric and electronic components; wherein o) at least one inertial sensor is disposed on or at the at least one circuit board and is connected in an electrically conducting manner to at least some of the electric and electronic components on the circuit board such that the output signals of the at least one inertial sensor are able to be fed into the at least some electric and electronic components; wherein p) the pressure control module includes oscillation-decoupling means for at least partially decoupling the at least one inertial sensor from oscillations or impact sound to which the circuit board or components of the pressure control module is/are exposed during operation, and the oscillation-decoupling means includes a decoupling portion of a circuit board body of the circuit board on which the at least one initial sensor is held or disposed, wherein the decoupling portion by means of at least one clearance that partially or completely penetrates the circuit board body of the circuit board is separated from a remainder of the circuit board body of the circuit board with the exception of at least one circuit board bridge portion which connects, in particular in the manner of a bridge, the decoupling portion to the remainder of the circuit board body, wherein at least one electric connection between the at least one inertial sensor and the electric and electronic components on the remainder of the circuit board body is routed along the circuit board bridge portion, the electric connection directing the output signals of the at least one inertial sensor to the electric and electronic components. 